Ravichandran Ashwin may no longer be an active Cricketer, whether on the IPL circuit or the international stage for the Indian team. But he does have a smart and careful observation from time to time on subjects that matter and are of intrigue to Indian cricket. And one such subject is that of Sanju Samson, currently under fire given a total lack of runs where it comes to the national representation.

Once again, as seen yesterday’s game against Namibians, a team totally stranger to facing India and that too, at the latter’s home territory, Samson, it could argued missed out on scoring big when it most mattered.

What should ideally have been a great scoring opportunity for the right hander given India’s opponents as seen a few hours ago weren’t too menacing, was a chance gone begging.  

His 22 was stroke filled but was just 22, at the end of the day.

And here is Ravichandran Ashwin’s clear assessment of the blazing right hander:

“Sanju Samson looks like a batsman who is searching for runs. It feels like too many things are going on in his mind. Earlier, he put one on the leg side and flicked it beautifully for a six, good backlift, good timing, right intent.

But the very next ball, he just tapped it on the leg side straight to mid-wicket. It looked like someone who wasn’t clear in his head, maybe he had premeditated the shot and expected the ball to be there.

This kind of mental state can happen to many players. If I had to tell Sanju something, I’d say forget everything. Start fresh. I want to see the Sanju Samson who scores centuries. If you get out attacking, so be it, but don’t overthink. Play freely and dominate.”

Critics and fans have already begun discussing whether we may have already seen Sanju Samson in a sundial shirt for the last time.