NEW DELHI: When opportunity knocks, you must grab it with both hands, and that's exactly what Sanju Samson did in the fifth T20I against South Africa in the absence of Shubman Gill, who was ruled out due to a toe injury.
Having mostly warmed the benches since Gill's elevation to T20I captaincy and stepping into the opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma, the wicketkeeper batter proved the position was his, smashing 37 off just 22 balls, laced with four fours and two sixes.
The team management's decision to change the opening combination backfired, with Gill turning out to be a complete failure at the top of the order.
Sanju Samson Enters the 1000-Run Club in T20Is
In the series against South Africa, the 26-year-old featured in three matches, scoring 4, 0, and 28. His final innings came at a brisk run-a-ball pace, fueling further debate over Samson being kept out of the playing XI in favour of Gill.
Following India's 30-run victory in the final T20I in Ahmedabad, Samson addressed his omission from the opening slot, stating that he shares a good rapport with the coach and captain and understands the reasoning behind their decisions.
"The team environment is really important because a big tournament is coming up. I have been in the system long enough to know what they were trying to do. I know what the leadership group were trying to do as I am quite experienced," said Samson while talking to Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron on JioHotstar.
"I have a good relationship with both Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, so communication is quite open with them," he added.
Pathan left Samson in a tricky spot by asking whether he would open for India in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
"Bhaiya, aap karado open, main kya bolu yaar. Aise sawaal nahi puchne chahiye, Irfan bhai. (Please you make me open, what should I say? You shouldn't ask these questions. (laughs)," said Samson.
