'Shubman Gill's return took away Sanju's role in team'

CUTTACK: Former Indian Player R Ashwin responded to the selectors' omitting Malayali player Sanju Samson from the playing XI for the first T20I against South Africa. Ashwin, through his YouTube channel, said he has found it more difficult for Sanju to find a place in the team with the return of Shubman Gill as vice-captain.

“The decision to drop Sanju before the match had led to a lot of discussion. Despite Sanju being in good form, the team management went ahead with a different combination suited to the slow pitch. Sanju has been one of the best batsmen for India in the T20 format, but alas, the youngster is still far away from entering the good books of selectors.

Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain made Sanju lose his opening spot. Instead, Sanju was considered for the middle-order. Now, Sanju has been completely dropped from the team in favour of Jitesh Sharma, who is better suited to the role of finisher. Whether Sanju has had enough opportunities should also be discussed.

Despite being given the vice-captaincy, Gill is yet to find his form. It seems Gill’s inclusion in the team has more to do with his vice-captaincy than performance. Sanju is not suitable at number five. When someone like Jitesh Sharma is in the squad to score runs quickly in the last overs, there is no question about including Sanju. If he is included in the team, Sanju should be made to open the batting.”