‘I don’t compete with my teammates’ – Sanju Samson comments on competition with Rishabh Pant for selection in team India: Watch

Ever since the Indian Cricket Board announced the squad for the upcoming 20-20 World Cup this week, fans have been lashing out at the selection committee for once again ignoring the wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson. The selectors showed faith in Rishabh Pant who has not been able to seal his place in the side even after playing 58 matches.

Amidst the wild uproar regarding the mistreatment of Samson, a video of him reacting to his non-selection in the team has been going viral. In the video, the Kerala batter can be heard saying that he doesn’t like to compete with other wicketkeeper batters in the team like Pant and KL Rahul. He further goes on to say that if he’s competing with them he will only let his team down.

“There are a lot of talks going on social that Sanju Samson should replace KL Rahul, Sanju should replace Rishabh Pant. My thinking is very clear, both KL and Pant play for my own team, if I compete with my own teammates then I’m letting my country down. I always like to take it in a positive way that whenever I get my opportunity I will go out and perform for my team,” said Samson.

“I have very fortunate to have made a comeback in the Indian team after 5-6 years. India was one of the best cricket teams in the world five years back and is still a no 1 team. To find a place in the 15-member squad or the playing eleven is tough considering the quality of the players around. At the same time, you also think about yourself that when will you get your next chance? It’s important to stay in the right frame of mind and be positive,” he added.

Watch the video here:

The 27-year-old has played 16 matches in T20Is scoring 296 runs at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 135. There was tough competition for the wicketkeeper’s slot in the Indian team as Dinesh Karthik has also stormed his way back into the Indian team after a successful season in the Indian T20 League.

While Karthik had confirmed his place in the eleven, there were doubts about Pant’s selection as he hasn’t impressed with his performances in the shortest format of the game. However, the selectors showed faith in Pant’s tremendous hitting prowess and gave him a place in the team. On the other hand, Samson will be seen leading the India A squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand A.