NEW DELHI: India’s legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar has expressed disappointment with Sanju Samson’s shot selection in the T20I series opener against Sri Lanka on Tuesday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Sanju lost his life off the third ball of India’s innings seven overs as a fielder missed an opportunity to catch it in deep mid-wicket. However, on his fifth pitch of the over, Sanju aimed his hoick at the crossline and leading his edge was caught by Dhanan Jayade his Silva short third fielder and only he had five runs.
“And this time it’s the leading edge to the short third man. He’s such a great player. Sanju Samson has so much talent, but his shot selection lets him down sometimes. And this is Another disappointing opportunity,” Gavaskar said on-air during the match.
The 28-year-old Sanju made an error early in Sri Lanka’s innings when he dropped Pathum Nissanka’s catch midway through captain Hardik Pandya’s bowling. He made up for missed opportunities by catching Ksar Mendes and De Silva.
Speaking of Sanju, another former Indians opener Gautam Gambir said it was time for the right-handed hitter to take his chances with the T20I setup.
“We all talk about how much talent he has, but he needs to take advantage of these opportunities,” he said on Star Sports’ live cricket show.
India, who are leading 1-0 in the three-game series, will face Sri Lanka on Thursday at the MCA Stadium in Pune.