Mohammad Kaif has urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to back Sanju Samson despite his poor run of form as India’s opening batter in T20Is, citing the example of captain Suryakumar Yadav, who recently bounced back after his own lean patch. Samson’s place in India’s T20 World Cup squad is under scrutiny with just two matches remaining against New Zealand before the tournament begins on February 7, but Kaif believes the wicketkeeper-batter deserves at least two more chances to prove himself before any drastic changes are made.

Suryakumar’s comeback as an example

Kaif highlighted how Suryakumar Yadav returned to form during the New Zealand series after enduring a barren run against Australia and South Africa. “Look at Suryakumar Yadav. He was the captain and out of form, but he maintained confidence in his game. He always used to say, ‘I am not out of form; I am playing well and finding the middle of the bat, I am just out of runs.’ He said this because he had faith in his ability,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

The former India batter stressed that the team continued to back Suryakumar even during his slump, and he eventually found his rhythm again. “The same will happen with Sanju Samson, I am certain of it,” Kaif added, suggesting that Samson should be afforded the same patience given his track record of three T20I centuries.

Ishan Kishan challenge looms large

With wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan capitalizing on his international return, suggestions have been made for him to replace Samson at the top of the order, potentially moving Shreyas Iyer into the middle order. However, Kaif is not in favor of the idea, insisting Samson should be given at least two more matches before any final decision is made.

“Even though Ishan Kishan is back and people are calling for him to replace Sanju, I believe we should give Samson at least two more matches before making a final decision. After that, you can take whatever course you like. Sanju is a classy player who needs support right now. No player can score all the time,” Kaif explained.

No need to panic with series already won

Kaif pointed out that India have already won three matches comfortably in the five-match T20I series, so there is no immediate pressure to make changes. “You are already winning—you have won three matches—so there is no pressure. There is no need to panic or make changes for the sake of finding an ‘in-form’ player,” he said.

He believes Samson should be given five consecutive innings to find his rhythm. “I believe he should be given five consecutive innings. After the five-match T20 series is over, sit down and discuss the strategy moving forward. Dropping him now would be far too hasty,” Kaif concluded. He added that when a player doesn’t get regular opportunities, they can become nervous, and Samson deserves this chance because he hasn’t always had a consistent run in the side, having been in and out of the team.