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Sanju Samson has recorded successive ducks in the last two T20Is against South Africa

India vs South Africa: Aakash Chopra has a reply for Sanju Samson's father

Credits: BCCI/Twitter

Sanju Samson has recently experienced quite mixed form, making a strong case for himself in India’s T20I setup. The Kerala batter recently delivered back-to-back centuries in T20Is, showcasing his explosive batting prowess. He smashed a blistering 111 off 47 balls against Bangladesh and followed it up with a spectacular 107 off 50 balls against South Africa in the opening game of the ongoing four-match series in the Rainbow Nation. Samson, who debuted for India in 2015 in a T20I against Zimbabwe, is currently enjoying one of the best phases of his international career. However, he has also been in the headlines for reasons beyond his on-field performances.

Despite his talent and potential, Samson’s inclusion in the Indian team has been sporadic over the years, a point of contention among his strong fanbase on social media. Supporters frequently call for him to receive consistent backing from the selectors and team management. Adding to the discussion, Samson’s father recently claimed that his son has missed out on opportunities due to the presence of senior Indian players and former players. While the statement reflected the frustration of many fans, it stirred debate, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra deeming the comment “unnecessary.” Samson’s fluctuating journey with the Indian team has often highlighted the challenges faced by promising players in breaking into a star-studded lineup. As he continues to impress with his performances, the debate around his selection underscores the need for clear communication and consistent opportunities for emerging talents.

"Sanju Samson's father has said something very interesting. He put Ji after Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit and Dravid's names and said that they spoiled 10 years of his son's career. I start thinking is it even necessary? I will be very honest," former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Aakash Chopra, while terming Sanju Samson’s father’s statement as “unnecessary,” showed understanding of the concern and acknowledged the emotional perspective behind it. He noted that it is natural for parents to voice their frustrations when they believe their children are not receiving fair opportunities, particularly in highly competitive fields like cricket.

Chopra drew parallels with the infamous remarks made by Yograj Singh, the father of former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Yograj had openly alleged that MS Dhoni, the celebrated Indian captain, had played a role in derailing Yuvraj’s career, sparking considerable controversy and debate at the time. Chopra highlighted how such emotionally charged statements, though well-intentioned from a parental perspective, often create unnecessary distractions and can overshadow a player’s achievements on the field.

Chopra emphasized that while it is understandable for parents to stand by their children, cricketing careers are shaped by performance, team dynamics, and selection policies, factors that go beyond any individual’s influence. He urged fans and stakeholders to focus on Samson’s recent stellar performances and celebrate his contributions to Indian cricket instead of getting drawn into divisive narratives.

"Since I am a father, I can tell you that fathers are biased. Our children are the dearest to us and we don't see any of their shortcomings. The same must be true for my father. He might be saying that Aakash was wronged and he also should have got more opportunities," Chopra stated. 

"We have seen this in Yograj Singh and Yuvraj Singh's case. Yograj Singh says something and then Yuvi is unable to figure out what he should say. He wants to disassociate himself, that he doesn't think like that. So the fathers' comments don't help. What will you gain from it? Whatever has passed has passed," he concluded.

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