Sanju Samson’s T20I career has often been defined by extremes. The India wicketkeeper-batter has produced match-winning hundreds but has also struggled with a string of low scores, especially when opening the innings. His inability to negotiate the early phase continues to be a concern, and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes there is a clear technical reason behind it.
Samson once again departed cheaply during India’s second T20I against England after falling to Saqib Mahmood. The dismissal bore similarities to several of his previous failures, including one against Ireland, where he attempted to play a delivery outside the off stump and ended up losing his wicket. In both instances, the ball was bowled well outside off, tempting Samson into playing an attacking stroke.
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According to Pathan, the issue lies in Samson’s bat face remaining closed while trying to score through the off side. As he looks to force the ball, the bat angle creates opportunities for edges behind the wicket or catches in the backward point region. Pathan pointed out that opponents have begun targeting this weakness consistently.
Speaking on JioHotstar, the former India all-rounder explained that bowlers don’t necessarily need extravagant swing to trouble Samson. Simply maintaining a disciplined line outside off stump is enough to force an error. He added that England executed the plan perfectly by adjusting the field and repeatedly bowling in that channel before eventually claiming his wicket.
While Samson has shown he can dominate attacks once settled, his challenge remains surviving the opening few overs. Unless he finds a solution to this recurring technical flaw, opposition teams are likely to continue using the same strategy to keep him under pressure.
