Sanju Samson not upset over Duleep omission

There is something disarming about talking to Sanju Samson and barely a few minutes into the conversation you will realise that it is his refreshing candour that stands out. Asked if he was upset at being omitted from the Duleep Trophy squads, the 22-year-old replied that he wasn’t surprised in the least. “I saw it coming. In last season’s Ranji, I wasn’t a model of consistency. I managed to score only one hundred.

I need to get my act together and be back amongst the runs and selection will take care of itself,” said Sanju.

Sanju reserved high words of praise for Dav Whatmore who was appointed the head coach of Kerala in April. “He (Whatmore) is good at man management. He is more like a friend and shares a good rapport with all the players.

He has complete dedication to the sport and wants the Kerala team to do well,” added Sanju.

Asked about his middling performance during the recent South Africa ‘A’ tour, the diminutive batsman said it’s not possible to score runs all the time. “It was my second trip to South Africa. The tour helped me analyse my shortcomings.

I had the chance to open the innings in four matches. I received a good feedback from the team management on improving my technique against the shortpitched stuff,” remarked Sanju.

Meanwhile, on the opening day of the Buchi Babu tournament, off-spinner Malolan Rangarajan’s six wickets for 17 runs paved the way for a six-wicket win for TNCA President’s XI against Kerala at the IC-Guru Nanak ground.

BRIEF SCORES: Kerala 102 in 42 overs (Rohan S Kunnummel 53, Malolan Rangarajan 6/17) lost to TNCA President’s XI 103/4 in 36.4 overs (B Aparajith 44*, MS Washington Sundar 41). Points: TNCA President’s XI 4; Kerala 0.