Former Indian batter and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has made big statements about Kerala batter Sanju Samson on Youtuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast. Samson has been one of the most talked about cricketers in the recent past. There is a huge fan base behind the Rajasthan Royals star which tends to make a lot of noise when he isn’t picked for the Indian team.
Speaking about this fandom, Chopra stated how these supporters presented Samson as a god’s gift. The Delhi-born batter then spoke about how the fans also blamed Team India’s losses on not picking Samson in the playing XI or the squad.
Chopra said, "During the Sanju Samson phase, it felt as if he is God's gift to Indian cricket. People said 'Play him and everything will fall in place. We would have even won the World Cup final'. They wouldn't realise that the bowlers had an off day or that Karthik or Pant would have played in front of him. But in reality, his batting wouldn't have made any difference. The atmosphere was such that if Samson had played, we could have done this and that."
Aakash Chopra further spoke on how a large number of internet users have helped in the creation of this cult following behind Sanju Samson. Chopra stated how there are many internet users in Kerala, who often talk about Samson on social media which leads to an increase in his popularity. Further, Chopra discussed how Samson has had some great moments in his career but has failed to perform on the highest level, whenever he has gotten a chance.
He said, "Indian cricket is interesting. Like it or hate it, but the fact is that the atmosphere creates perception, and that is sometimes stronger than the truth. Sanju has a cult following - we live in a digital world. Where he comes from, it is very obvious that place and region has a digital presence. When he plays well, he makes batting look easy. He is pleasing on the eyes, took his team to Ranji final, IPL final. Got some opportunities for India but didn't make the most of it. And this is a reality that fans do not understand. Sanju realises it that he is going to get limited opportunities in the current set-up."
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