India T20 WC squad: Sanju Samson broke his silence after his snub from the T20 World Cup squad and suggested that the selected team has his full backing. The Rajasthan Royals had impressed over the past few months but lost out on a place in the side with Kl Rahul and Rishabh Pant making the final 15. The Kerala born batter however has no ill-feeling and believes in thinking positively and will continue to work hard to achieve his goals. Follow India vs Australia LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
India T20 WC squad: Sanju Samson refutes talk of India snub amid KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant competition says, ‘If I compete with my teammates, I’m letting my country down’
In a candid chat after his T20 World Cup snub, Sanju Samson revealed that he thought positively and was grateful to get a chance to make his case. Samson made a comeback to the Indian side following a career-best IPL season and impressed in games against Ireland and West Indies. A cult figure among Indian cricket fans, many demanded the Kerala-born batter to be included in the Asia Cup and the T20 world Cup squads. Still, Samson eventually missed out due to competition for places.
Speaking on the World Cricket Channel, Sanju revealed that he will support the team wholeheartedly and did not think of teammates Rishabh Pant and Kl Rahul as competion. Samson revealed that should he think competitively, he would be letting his country down.
“These days, in media and on social media, there are talks that who will Sanju replace in the Indian playing XI. Will you replace Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul? My thinking is very clear that both KL and Pant play for my own team. If I compete with my own teammates, then I’m letting my country down,” said Samson on World Cricket channel.
Samson also made a comeback to the ODI side five years after his debut against Zimbabwe. The RR superstar said that he was grateful for the opportunity and wanted to continue giving his best and be in the right frame of mind.
He added, ”
“But I feel very fortunate that I made a comeback after 5 years. Indian team was No 1 five years ago and even now. To become a part of the best 15 of Indian cricket team is a big thing. But at the same time, you also have to think about yourself as well and it is important to be in the right frame of mind and think positively. ”
Sanju Samson is an incredible and down to earth human being.pic.twitter.com/Xaln77a77d
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 17, 2022
India T20 WC squad: Sanju Samson refutes talk of India snub amid KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant competition says, ‘If I compete with my teammates, I’m letting my country down’
Samson’s comments come in days after some angry fans announced a protest for his non-selection during the IND vs SA 1st T20i in Trivandrum. Samson who has a large local fan base in Kerala will wear T-Shirts with his pictures. It won’t be the first time India has seen protests with a section of fans also protesting Sourav Ganguly’s non-selection at Eden Gardens back in 2005.
Meanwhile, competitively Samson has been handed a lifeline and was named the skipper of the India A side to face new Zealand in three ODIs in Chennai. He will lead a side that includes the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Umran Malik.
In six ODIs, Samson scored 130 runs at an average of 43.33. One half-century came out of his bat in five innings he played. The star batter of the team Ruturaj Gaikwad is in blistering form as he struck an outstanding 108 off 127 balls against New Zealand A.
India T20 WC squad: Sanju Samson refutes talk of India snub amid KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant competition says, ‘If I compete with my teammates, I’m letting my country down’
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