Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared a detailed assessment of Sanju Samson’s batting technique, pointing to a recurring technical issue that he believes has prevented the stylish wicketkeeper-batter from consistently delivering his immense potential at the highest level.

Samson, widely regarded as one of India’s most naturally gifted stroke-makers, has often impressed with elegant batting displays but has also faced criticism for his inability to convert promising starts into consistent performances. While his talent has rarely been questioned, experts have repeatedly highlighted technical and mental aspects of his game that require refinement.

Pathan Highlights a Recurring Weakness

According to Pathan, one of the primary concerns in Samson’s batting is his tendency to struggle against deliveries moving away from him, particularly from fast bowlers. The former India pacer explained that Samson often commits himself too early to the shot, making him vulnerable to balls pitched outside the off stump.

Pathan observed that opposition bowlers have increasingly targeted this area because they recognize it as a potential weakness. By consistently bowling just outside the off stump and allowing the ball to move away after pitching, fast bowlers have managed to force Samson into playing deliveries that could otherwise have been left alone.

This pattern, Pathan believes, has resulted in several dismissals over the years and has become an identifiable area that opponents exploit.

Importance of Shot Selection

A major aspect of Pathan’s analysis focused on shot selection rather than pure batting ability. He suggested that Samson possesses every stroke in the book but occasionally feels compelled to play at deliveries that do not require a response.

Instead of chasing balls outside the off stump, Pathan advised that Samson should develop greater discipline by allowing such deliveries to pass harmlessly whenever possible. This adjustment, according to him, would force bowlers to alter their lengths and lines, eventually providing Samson with more scoring opportunities.

Improved patience, particularly during the early stages of an innings, could significantly reduce unnecessary dismissals and allow the batter to settle before playing his expansive range of strokes. 

Technical Adjustment Against Pace

Pathan emphasized that Samson’s challenge is less about talent and more about technical execution under pressure. He explained that when fast bowlers move the ball away from the batter, maintaining balance, head position, and judgment outside off stump becomes extremely important.

By resisting the temptation to drive every delivery in the channel outside off stump, Samson could minimize risky shots and build longer innings. Pathan believes that this relatively small technical correction could make a substantial difference to Samson’s consistency across formats.

Talent Never in Doubt

Despite highlighting the flaw, Pathan made it clear that his observations should not be interpreted as criticism of Samson’s abilities. Instead, he described the wicketkeeper-batter as one of India’s most naturally gifted cricketers, capable of producing match-winning performances when he settles at the crease.

Samson has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks with elegant stroke play and effortless timing. However, his performances have often fluctuated due to early dismissals, preventing him from fully capitalizing on his exceptional talent.

Cricket analysts have long maintained that if Samson can improve his decision-making against seam bowling, he could establish himself as a far more consistent performer in international cricket.

Competition for Places Remains Intense

The competition for batting positions in the Indian team continues to be fierce, with several players vying for limited opportunities across formats. In such an environment, consistency becomes just as important as talent.

Experienced observers believe that technical improvements, combined with better temperament during the initial phase of an innings, could help Samson strengthen his case for regular selection.

With every international opportunity carrying significant importance, refining identified weaknesses may prove crucial in helping him cement a long-term role in India’s batting lineup.

Looking Ahead

Samson remains one of India’s most exciting batting talents, possessing the ability to change the course of a match within a few overs. His aggressive approach and elegant stroke-making have earned him a loyal fan following and admiration from former cricketers.

Pathan’s observations offer constructive guidance rather than criticism, focusing on adjustments that could elevate Samson from an occasional match-winner to a consistently dependable performer. If he successfully addresses the issue of playing at deliveries outside the off stump and develops greater patience against quality pace bowling, Samson could unlock another level in his batting and maximize the enormous potential that has long been evident throughout his career.