Sun Feb 02 19:10:00 IST 2025: ## Veteran Cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar Backs Sanju Samson Despite Recent Slump
**Mumbai, February 2, 2025:** Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his strong support for Sanju Samson, despite the Kerala batsman’s recent poor performance in the T20 series against England. Samson, who scored centuries against South Africa and Bangladesh last year, has managed only 35 runs in four matches against England.
Manjrekar argued that Samson’s considerable impact when in form outweighs his occasional failures. He told a sports news outlet that judging a T20 player requires considering their overall contribution, particularly their ability to win matches with high-scoring innings. He highlighted Samson’s past successes, emphasizing that the nature of T20 cricket allows for such inconsistencies.
“Look at Sanju Samson; when he plays well, he scores match-winning centuries,” Manjrekar stated. “Players like him, who can deliver those impactful innings, are allowed some dips in form. That’s the nature of T20 cricket. Some players get that leeway.”
Manjrekar advocated for continued opportunities for Samson, believing a single good innings could turn his fortunes around. He contrasted Samson’s situation with other players who might receive more chances despite lower scores, urging patience and continued support for the talented batsman. “I’ll patiently wait for Sanju to perform. He will prove his worth. It’s a different case for Samson. We should give him more chances.”
First Piper 