Mumbai, March 4 – Opener Sanju Samson has been a part of the Indian T20 team for the past couple of years, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he didn't make it into the playing XI, but lost his place due to inconsistent performances. Given a chance in three matches in this World Cup edition, the wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala has made a remarkable comeback after a shaky start.
Indian team's bowling coach Morne Morkel praised the 31-year-old right-handed batter for his hard work, for staying calm and maintaining hope, as he made a remarkable comeback with an unbeaten 97 in the crucial match against the West Indies, which secured India's spot in the semifinals.
"Sanju is a quality player. He's someone who always works hard in the nets. And yeah, I think that opportunity he got, he showed his class and experience.
"He got that opportunity, and as someone who has played a lot of games, he stepped up in a crucial game. From a coaching or mentoring perspective, it was just about giving him the support. Although he lost his place in the team.
"For him, it was always about being in the nets to ensure he gets quality work. Because you never know in a tournament that a situation, as we found ourselves, can always arise. So credit to him for not losing that hope. Keep working hard, keep growing in his strengths, and then take the opportunity. In professional sports, it's all about being prepared. So you don't have to prepare yourself, if I can say that. And yeah, credit to him for staying calm and overcoming that tough period and putting in a solid performance for India," said Morkel ahead of India's semifinal clash against England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
The former South African pace bowler dismissed the notion that explosive opener Abhishek Sharma has lost confidence or is trying to change his aggressive style to a more measured approach.
"No, I think sometimes this game can be tough on you, cruel on you. A similar situation that Sanju found himself in. That's part of your career; you'll find moments like this.
"And this is good growth for him; it's good learning for him. For a young player finding his feet in international cricket, this will only help him in Indian cricket in the long run. But coming back to his form, Abhishek, his way of playing, it's just a few shots that can help him regain his rhythm and confidence. And that, for me, is a positive sign. He's not someone who worries too much about technique. Normally, those types of players take a lot more time to get their confidence back.
"So like I said, it's a fresh start for him tomorrow. An opportunity to do well. He scored a century against England not too long ago. So for him, it's just tapping into those moments and building a plan, and knowing that he's starting from zero tomorrow. It's a new opportunity for him to play," said Morkel.
