IND vs AFG: Sanju Samson can be India’s X-factor at T20 World Cup 2024, says Suresh Raina

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina said Sanju Samson should make use of the opportunity.

In the upcoming 3-match T20I series against Afghanistan from January 11, saying that the wicketkeeper batter can be the X-factor for the team in T20 World Cup 2024.

Sanju Samson has not translated his IPL performances to international cricket in T20Is, having managed just 374 runs in 24 matches at a paltry average of 19.68. Yes, Samson has not had a consistent run in the shortest format of the game, but he has not been able to make an impact at the highest level.

However, Samson ended his long wait for his maiden international hundred when he hit a match-winning 108 against South Africa in Paarl in a series-decider, showing glimpses of his renewed hunger after the ODI World Cup 2023 snub.

Sanju Samson was rewarded with a recall to the T20I squad for the first time since India’s tour of Ireland in August. Ishan Kishan’s absence helped his case as Samson joined the squad in Mohali after playing the first round of the Ranji Trophy 2024 season for Kerala.

“Sanju has made a wonderful hundred against South Africa recently. He is definitely captain material as his mind is ticking all the time while on the field. We have some very good options for the wicketkeeper-batter role — KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Pant whenever he comes back after getting fit,” Raina told Sports18.

Raina, who is regarded as one of India’s finest T20 batters, said Sanju Samson should perform well in the series against Afghanistan and extend his good run in the IPL to keep the selectors interested.

”I prefer to have Sanju in the middle-order because he has a lot of shots. He plays those pick-up shots against pacers from the length. Hopefully, he performs well in the IPL too before the selectors sit down to select the team for the T20 World Cup,” Raina added.

“So, it is a good chance for Sanju against Afghanistan, and he can be our X-Factor in the World Cup,” he added.

India are likely to persist with Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper-batter in the first T20I against Afghanistan as the Punjab Kings gloveman has impressed in the limited opportunities so far.