Aakash Chopra highlights Samson's recurring dismissal pattern in T20I series
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Sanju Samson's repeated dismissals in the ongoing T20I series against England.
While acknowledging his admiration for Samson, Chopra noted that the wicketkeeper-batter has been dismissed similarly in all four innings, against short balls.
In the fourth T20I in Pune on Friday, January 31, Samson was dismissed after scoring just one run off three balls.
Additionally, Samson has managed just 35 runs in four matches so far.
Here's more.
Dismissal pattern
Chopra analyzes Samson's dismissals in YouTube video
Chopra spoke about Samson's dismissal pattern in a video on his YouTube channel.
He said, "India lost the toss and got to bat first. Sanju Samson once again got out in the same fashion."
He added, "I don't want to trigger Sanju's fan army at all but the fact is that he has now been dismissed similarly four times."
Dismissal details
Samson's dismissals: A closer look
Chopra elaborated on how Samson fell to Jofra Archer in the first three matches and Saqib Mahmood in the fourth match.
He said, "He got out to Saqib Mahmood's bowling this time. So continuously in the same fashion against the short ball, finding a fielder in the deep and once caught at mid-on, thrice against Jofra Archer and once against Saqib."
Varma's performance
Chopra refrains from judging Varma on single performance
Chopra also spoke about Tilak Varma's dismissal in the same game but stopped short of judging him on one performance.
He said, "He (Samson) got out and Tilak got out off the next delivery. There will be a question."
However, he added if this aggressive approach is how Varma scores runs and what India expects of him, then it's acceptable.
Chopra then added, We will not judge you on one performance because Tilak Varma has scored a lot of runs."
Numbers
A look at Samson's numbers in this series
The wicketkeeper batter had a stellar 2024 season but has failed to carry his stellar form into 2025.
As mentioned Samson has scored just 35 runs across four T20Is this series. His scores read 26 off 20 balls, (his highest so far), 5 off 7 balls, 3 off 6 balls, and 1 off 3 balls respectively.
Overall, Samson who is known for his big hitting has managed just four boundaries and one maximum, which he smashed during the first T20I.