“What did Sanju Samson do so grossly wrong that he had to be replaced?” - Robin Uthappa questions team management

Sanju Samson was eventually removed from the playing XI after being shifted from his preferred starting position in Twenty20 Internationals. It is difficult for supporters and even cricket professionals to comprehend what coach and team management Gautam Gambhir is up to. After being added to the T20I setup, Shubman Gill hasn't performed well.

Sanju Samson is replaced by Jitesh Sharma, who primarily bats in the middle or lower order as a finisher. These questions have gained even more attention following Team India's defeat in the second Twenty20 International against South Africa in Mullanpur.

After Shubman Gill fell for a golden duck in the second Twenty20 International against South Africa on Thursday at his home stadium in Mullanpur, former India batsman Robin Uthappa questioned the necessity of upsetting the Sanju Samson-Abhishek Sharma opening alliance.

A number of concerns have been expressed regarding Shubman Gill's selection to the Indian side due to his poor performance in the Twenty20 Internationals. In the second Twenty20 International against South Africa, the right-handed hitter was out on a golden duck. Gill only managed to stay at the crease for one ball when chasing the difficult goal of 214, as he was caught in the first slip on a delivery bowled by Lungi Ngidi.

Gautam Gambhir’s ex-KKR mate, Robin Uthappa has asked, as to what wrong Sanju Samson has done? Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa said, “I beg the question: what did the partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson do so grossly wrong that they had to be replaced? I understand Surya in the pre-series conference where he said Shubman has actually been in the T20 squad before Sanju got his opportunity. But when Sanju did get his opportunity, he got three hundreds.

Uthappa also observed that Gill is not attempting to stick to his strengths in the format since his comeback. “He’s batting completely opposite to what actually works for him and what actually gives him success. He’s the kind of T20 batter who gets in a little bit. He’s not a Sanju Samson or Abhishek Sharma type of opening batter. He’s the kind of guy who gets in, and once he gets in, you can’t get him out,” said Uthappa.

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