India’s recent 4-1 T20I series win over England was a dominant display of cricketing prowess. However, not everything was smooth sailing. Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his sharp cricketing insights, didn’t hold back in pointing out the struggles of two key players—Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. According to Ashwin, both players have been consistently making the same mistakes, leading to their dismissals in identical fashion.
Ashwin’s Take: Repetitive Mistakes Are Costing Big
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat,’ Ashwin drew a unique comparison to a popular Tamil movie, Thillu Millu, where actor Rajinikanth plays two distinct roles—one with a moustache and one without. Ashwin humorously likened this to watching Yadav and Samson bat, as their dismissals have been almost identical throughout the series.
“Same ball, same field, same shot, same mistake, same dismissal. I can understand it happening in one or two games, but this is surprising,” Ashwin remarked.
For any player at the international level, adapting to opposition strategies is crucial. Ashwin emphasized that if a certain tactic is being repeatedly used against you, it’s the batter’s responsibility to find a way out.
“When you know a tactic is being used against you, it becomes your responsibility to find a new answer. It is very surprising from both players,” he added.
Where Are Samson and Suryakumar Falling Short?
Sanju Samson has struggled against short-pitched deliveries, a well-documented weakness that England exploited time and again. Despite working on it—practicing with plastic balls and adjusting his stance—he couldn’t translate these efforts into significant scores. While he showed glimpses of promise, he failed to capitalize on his starts.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav, known for his 360-degree stroke play, found his strength turning into a weakness. The signature flick scoop shot, which has often been his go-to weapon, became his downfall in this series. English bowlers read his game well, setting up fields that forced him into playing right into their hands. His statistics in the series—just 28 runs in five innings, including two ducks—paint a concerning picture.
Time for a Fresh Approach?
Ashwin, while critical, also had constructive advice for both players. He acknowledged Suryakumar’s vast experience and his role in revolutionizing India’s batting approach in T20 cricket but insisted that it’s high time for a minor adjustment.
“Surya is a very experienced guy. He was part of the change of guard for Indian cricket in batting. But I think it’s high time he changes his approach a little,” Ashwin said.
For Samson, Ashwin pointed out that mental clarity will be key moving forward. He suggested that overthinking and self-doubt may be playing a bigger role in his struggles than just technical flaws.
“For Samson, the mind will be playing tricks. If there are many questions in your head, it gets difficult,” Ashwin explained.
What’s Next for the Two Batters?
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India needs its best players in peak form. Samson and Suryakumar, both incredibly talented, will need to quickly rectify their flaws if they hope to be consistent contributors to the team. While experimentation is part of the game, repetitive mistakes at the highest level can be costly.
The good news? Both batters have shown resilience in the past and have the skill set to turn things around. It will be interesting to see how they respond to this critique and whether they come back stronger in future matches.
Do you think Suryakumar and Samson can bounce back, or is it time for India to look at other options? Share your thoughts below!