Sanju Samson is facing mounting pressure after a shaky performance in India’s recent T20I against Australia in Melbourne. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has issued a stark warning: inconsistent performances could cost the wicketkeeper-batter his place in the side, as fan and team support “can fade quickly.”
Table of Contents
- Melbourne Collapse Sparks Criticism
- Irfan Pathan’s Bold Take on Batting Order
- Sanju Samson’s Identity Crisis in the Lineup
- What Does the Future Hold?
Melbourne Collapse Sparks Criticism
India’s batting unit imploded during the Melbourne T20I, folding for a paltry total against a disciplined Australian attack. While the entire top order struggled, the spotlight turned sharply on Sanju Samson—whose role in the lineup has been anything but consistent. Batting at different positions across recent matches, Samson failed to anchor the innings or provide the spark needed in a high-stakes game.
This inconsistency hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cricket legend Irfan Pathan, known for his candid analysis, didn’t hold back in his post-match assessment.
Irfan Pathan’s Bold Take on Batting Order
Pathan emphasized that India’s biggest issue isn’t talent—it’s structure. “You can’t keep shuffling players like puzzle pieces and expect results,” he said. He strongly advocated for Suryakumar Yadav to be cemented at the crucial number three spot, where his 360-degree strokeplay and calm temperament can stabilize the innings after powerplay wickets.
“Suryakumar at three gives you control. He’s proven in that role. Why keep experimenting?” Pathan questioned during a recent broadcast segment .
Sanju Samson’s Identity Crisis in the Lineup
Sanju Samson’s case is particularly concerning. Despite flashes of brilliance in domestic cricket and the IPL, his international career has been marked by uncertainty. Is he a finisher? A top-order anchor? A middle-order aggressor? The lack of a defined role has hampered his ability to build rhythm.
Pathan’s warning was direct: “Support can fade quickly in international cricket. One or two failures are forgiven, but without clarity and consistency, even the most talented players get left behind.”
Samson’s recent scores—12, 4, and 18 in his last three T20Is—highlight this struggle. With Rishabh Pant back in form and fit, and young talents like Dhruv Jurel waiting in the wings, Samson’s window to prove himself is narrowing.
What Does the Future Hold?
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India’s selectors need to make tough calls. Clarity in roles isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Pathan’s message is clear: stop tinkering, define responsibilities, and back players who deliver consistently.
India’s Recent T20I Batting Order Instability (Last 5 Matches)
| Player | Positions Played | Runs | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 3, 4, 5 | 48 | 16.00 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 3, 4 | 92 | 30.66 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 4, 5 | 67 | 22.33 |
As the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, one thing is certain: experimentation must give way to execution. For Sanju Samson, the next few games could define his international future.