Player Analysis: Why is Sanju Samson Struggling to Score in T20 Internationals?

Sanju Samson, a renowned Indian cricketer, has been facing challenges in scoring runs while donning the Indian blue jersey. Despite his undeniable talent and exceptional performances in domestic cricket, Samson's international form in 2024 tells a different tale. In five matches played this year—two against Sri Lanka, two against Zimbabwe, and one against Afghanistan—Samson managed to score only 70 runs from 58 balls, averaging 17.5 with a strike rate of 120.7. His highest score was 58, with one fifty to his name, and he recorded a dot ball percentage of 41.4. These numbers reflect his struggle to convert his domestic success into international cricket.

However, Samson's prowess in domestic cricket continues to shine, proving his capability as a top-order batsman. His difficulty in translating this domestic form to the international stage has been a matter of concern for both fans and selectors. While his strike rate remains impressive, his consistency and ability to build substantial innings in crucial matches are under scrutiny. The contrast between his domestic dominance and international performances raises questions about the pressure and expectations faced when representing India, leaving fans hopeful for a turnaround in his future outings.

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Struggles of Sanju Samson in Capitalizing Runs in T20Is

Sanju Samson's recent struggles in T20Is have become a topic of concern for cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike. His performance in 2022 painted a promising picture, but the subsequent years have seen a significant decline in his ability to score runs and capitalize on his opportunities. Let's delve into his performance over the past three years to understand the trajectory of his T20I career.

In 2022, Sanju Samson showcased his potential by scoring 179 runs in five matches, with an impressive average of 44.8 and a strike rate of 158.4. He faced a total of 113 balls, with a notable high score of 77. In three out of these five matches, he faced more than 20 balls, scoring 39, 30, and 77 with strike rates of 156, 130, and 183, respectively. These performances highlighted his ability to stay at the crease and build innings, making him a crucial asset for the team.

However, 2023 told a different story. Samson's form dipped significantly, managing only 78 runs in six matches at an average of 15.6 and a strike rate of 127.9. His highest score was 40, and he faced more than 20 balls in just one match, scoring 40 runs at a strike rate of 153. In the remaining five matches, he failed to score more than 15 runs per game, reflecting a stark contrast to his previous year's performance.

The downward trend continued into 2024, with Samson scoring 70 runs in five matches at an average of 17.5 and a strike rate of 120.7. In these matches, he faced a total of 58 balls, with his highest score being 58. He faced at least 20 balls in only one match, scoring 58 runs at a strike rate of 129. The rest of his outings were disappointing, with three ducks and a total of 12 runs in the other four matches. This inconsistency has raised concerns about his ability to handle the pressures of international cricket.

Analyzing his performance over these three years, it becomes evident that Samson's average number of balls faced per innings has declined. In 2022, he averaged 22.2 balls per innings, which dropped to 10.1 in 2023 and slightly improved to 11 in 2024. This decline indicates a need for him to spend more time at the crease to build substantial innings and contribute effectively to the team's score.

To overcome these struggles, Sanju Samson needs to focus on spending more time at the crease and studying the match situation more closely. Understanding his role and importance within the team will be crucial in reversing his fortunes. By doing so, he can regain his form and become a consistent performer for India in T20Is.

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