Ravi Shastri has made his return to the commentary box after 7 years. Since he began his stint as the Indian cricket team’s head coach in 2017, he had to stop his career as a commentator because of BCCI clauses. However, now Shastri can freely express his views about players. Last night Sanju Samson led RR got their first defeat by Virat and company at Wankhede. Although Rajasthan has shown good form in the previous matches. Cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri questioned the tactics of Sanju Samson in the third game.
RCB didn’t have a great start, so Rajasthan was already in a position of advantage. The required run rate in the 14th over was more than 12. However, Ashwin’s bowling in the 14th over gave 21 runs and a comeback to RCB. In addition, Sanju’s decision to bowl Prasidh Krishna in place of the experienced Yuzi was questioned by Shastri. Yuzvendra Chahal was playing against his former franchise, his better understanding of the opponents’ game would’ve helped RR. However, skipper Sanju went with Prasidh Krishna and gave away another expensive over. These mistakes on his part, gave a chance to Dinesh Karthik and Shahbaz to establish and they started hitting lofty power-packed shots. RR lost the match by 4 wickets.
Have a look at Shastri’s view on Sanju Samson
Ravi Shastri has said Sanju has looked mature and consistent in the IPL so far. Moreover, Shastri feels he will have a good season.
When I look at him this season, I see a sense of calmness. That maturity has crept in. I just have the feeling that he might have a good one this year. I feel he will be a lot more consistent this season. He has got a side around him that will make him feel relaxed and continue to play his natural game which is to attack and he can score.
In addition, Shastri emphasized that Sanju has too many shots in his arsenal. And that he needs to choose his shots correctly to reach a level like Virat Kohli. Sanju has played exceptionally well in IPL. However, whenever given a chance to play for India he has lacked consistent performance.
The big problem with him was when a player has too many shots and he wants to play all of them in the first five overs…that’s the problem he has. If he can be selective and choose the shots correctly depending on the surface and what the conditions offer, I feel he will be a lot more consistent. He has been around for a long time. You cannot make that same mistake after 10 years and get out at 20-25. You will have a coach that will come and bang it down your head.
The way you want to see Samson up the ante is by reading the opposition a little more and then comes the choice of shots. Which are the shots that will be more profitable and then you anticipate that from that particular bowler. This is where Kohli is far more mature, disciplined and in control and hence the bigger scores. If Sanju can get that into his game, reading the opposition a little bit more than just see it and hit it, he will get there. Because he can take off.
Sunil Gavaskar after RR vs RCB
Former cricketer Gavaskar was puzzled by Sanju’s decision to have Prasidh bowl without a fielder on the deep square leg or deep mid-wicket area. It is widely known that Dinesh Karthik is very strong there. Therefore, this decision was questionable.
Sanju Samson is answerable. Questions must be asked. No fielders in the deep on the on-side will always be easy picking for someone like Dinesh Karthik
