‘Sanju Samson plays with emotion’: Former coach explains why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his chance

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Sanju Samson’s ability to bounce back with a big innings after some low scores could mean Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his chance in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.Nayar also explained how India’s team mix, especially the need for a left-right batting pair, could affect selection decisions.Samson’s inconsistent performances have often raised questions about his place in India’s T20I side, with Sooryavanshi seen as a possible replacement. However, Nayar believes that Samson’s ability to respond to criticism with a high score makes it difficult for the team management to walk away from him.“Sanju is playing with everyone’s emotions because he won’t score for two matches and everyone starts asking questions, ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play, Sanju Samson is not taking his chances, how long will we wait?’ And that’s when he gets 80 points. Sanju is the type of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then make a big splash and make the most of his chances. So there will be times when there will be talk of his place but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait,” Nayar told JioStar as quoted by news agency IANS.Nayar said the selection process will depend on more than just individual performances. He emphasized that the team’s balance and the management’s approach to selection are also important, warning that frequent changes can affect the team’s culture and the development of young players.“Often the key to the culture of the team, if you’re a coach or a captain, is to make the right decisions. If you make haphazard decisions, the impact on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s career is one thing, but the impact on the team culture will be much bigger. So I think the decision will be, ‘Vaibhav, bide your time.’“Maybe in a series where Sanju is absent or rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and up top, you will always think that a right-hander is necessary in between. So it is not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; it is about having a left-right combination through Bracewell and his bowler,” added Nayar.