Sanju Samson's ongoing struggle with short-pitched deliveries took centre stage once again in India's recent T20I series against England, with the wicketkeeper-batter finding himself dismissed by the same method in five consecutive matches.

As his lean patch extends, the controversy surrounding his career intensifies, with tensions between the cricketer and the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) reaching a boiling point. Amid these challenges, Samson's talent remains undeniable, but questions persist about his future in Indian cricket.

A struggling campaign against England

In the five-match T20I series against England, Samson's vulnerability to the short ball was glaring. Despite his aggressive batting style, the English pacers, notably Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, found success by testing his ability to cope with pace. Samson's highest score in the series was just 26, with the rest of his innings reading as disappointing: 5, 3, 1, and 16. His inability to manage the short ball was evident throughout the series, culminating in his dismissal in the final match on February 2.

Samson's early promise in the match, when he launched Archer for a six off the first ball, quickly faded as he repeated his mistake of stepping away from the line of the ball. This error led to a catch at deep fine leg off a Mark Wood delivery, continuing his troubled run against the English pacers.

Manjrekar's support amid struggles

Despite Samson's repeated failures in the series, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has backed the wicketkeeper to continue getting opportunities. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar emphasised the value of Samson's potential for explosive performances when in form. He suggested that a player like Samson, capable of making significant impacts, deserves patience during lean patches, even if they stretch over several matches.

"Sanju Samson, when he plays well, he gets an incredible hundred and puts your team in a winning position. So, such people are allowed failures and maybe a long patch of failures,"Manjrekar remarked, urging that Samson be given more opportunities to find his form. He pointed out that while Samson's failures are notable, his ability to turn a match with a single innings justifies a more extended period in the playing XI.

Sanju with Rohit at a training session | Photo: Agencies

Training efforts fall short

Ahead of the third match of the series in Rajkot, Samson had undergone special training to address his struggles against the short ball. Under the guidance of India's new batting coach Shitanshu Kotak and throw-down specialists, Samson practised against bouncers and short deliveries using plastic balls on a cement pitch at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Despite these efforts, his performance did not improve, and he was dismissed cheaply by Jofra Archer once again, managing only three runs from six balls.

This failure came despite the preparations, suggesting that the mental and technical adjustments needed to overcome the pace of high-quality bowlers are not yet fully in place for the 30-year-old.

Growing controversy with the Kerala Cricket Association

Off the field, Samson's career has been marred by ongoing tensions with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), which have escalated in recent weeks. Allegations from Samson's father, Samson Viswanath, suggest that the KCA has made concerted efforts to undermine his son's career. These claims follow Samson's exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad due to alleged disciplinary issues, a decision that has further fuelled the rift.

Viswanath recently accused the KCA of attempting to sabotage Sanju's career, and recounted how former India head coach Rahul Dravid intervened during a particularly low point. Viswanath detailed an incident when the KCA allegedly withdrew support for his son, but Dravid's encouraging call helped restore Samson's morale.

"Wherever Sanju is today, he owes it to Rahul Dravid," Viswanath asserted, praising the former captain's support during difficult times.

Despite his recent setbacks in international cricket, Sanju continues to be the captain of Rajasthan Royals, the IPL team with which he shares a long-standing relationship. It is the team where he blossomed and emerged as a force to be reckoned with under the mentorship of none other than the 'Wall' of Indian cricket.

Samson's exclusion and the growing rift

The latest controversy involves Samson's exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy, which stemmed from his absence during pre-tournament camps for his state team. While the KCA pointed to Samson's failure to meet his commitments, Viswanath claims there has been a deliberate campaign to isolate his son. He further stated that the KCA wanted Samson to leave the state team, blaming him for all their troubles.

Samson's father has now appealed to other state associations to offer his son a fresh start, stating that Samson is being unfairly treated by the KCA. "If any state wants to give him a chance, I will appeal to them," Viswanath said, urging that his son be given the opportunity to play outside Kerala, suggesting that other associations, including Karnataka, might be interested in recruiting the Rajasthan Royals skipper.

Uncertain future in Indian Cricket

Amid these disputes, Samson's future in the Indian team remains uncertain. While his performances in T20 cricket have shown flashes of brilliance, his exclusion from the ODI setup in favour of Rishabh Pant has left many fans disheartened. Given his impressive record in the IPL and sporadic performances for India, Samson's potential is undeniable. However, the mounting off-field issues, combined with his inconsistent form, have left his position in Indian cricket in limbo.

The ongoing feud between Samson and the KCA adds a layer of complexity to his cricketing career, one that could either result in a fresh start at a new state or further erode his chances of securing a regular spot in the national team. As the drama unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Samson can navigate this turbulent phase and re-establish himself as one of India's most talented batters. (With inputs from Agencies)