IND vs SL 2023: He has to bat out of position – Kumar Sangakkara on Sanju Samson

Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara believes the number four position will be ideal for Sanju Samson in the Indian team. However, Sangakkara admitted Samson might have to bat out of position in the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Island country. Suryakumar Yadav might bat at number four for the team.

Sangakkara has observed Samson from close quarters while playing the Director of Cricket and head coach role for the Rajasthan Royals.

Meanwhile, Samson had scored 36 runs in the first ODI against New Zealand but he was dropped in the last two ODIs of the series as Deepak Hooda was included in the final XI as the latter can provide a bowling option.

The 28-year-old has scored 330 runs in 11 ODI matches at an average of 66 whereas he has scored 296 runs in 16 T20I matches at an average of 21.14.

Sangakkara said on Sports Tak, “I think he is ideally suited to No. 4 in T20 cricket, coming in after the first seven overs are done. He can bat anywhere and I think in India when he plays, he has to bat out of position because there are so many jostling for positions.”

Former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper bat feels Samson has the potential to deliver at any batting position.

“So he has got to be ready to bat anywhere and he can. He has got power, he has got the touch, he has got a great temperament, a good head on his shoulders for his batting. So he understands how to navigate difficult situations. So you can slot him in anywhere and he will do well.”

India will be without the services of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Sangakkara added he is excited to see Sanju Samson in action.

“I think India with a new-look side, you have some experience there in (Hardik) Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan. At the same time, you have a few slightly newer players. One of them I am excited to see is Sanju Samson.”

“Rajasthan Royals captain but more importantly he is just a fabulous player. He has got all the ingredients to be just a powerhouse, a match-winner on the international stage as a batter. He is a great young man and I am really excited to see what he can offer.”

The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played in Mumbai on Tuesday.