“Bat Face Remains Closed…”: Irfan Pathan Reveals the Hidden Flaw Behind Sanju Samson’s T20 Struggles

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is facing mounting criticism after yet another disappointing outing in the ongoing T20I season, with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan now highlighting a crucial technical flaw that may be behind the batter’s repeated failures.

Samson, who has long been regarded as one of India’s most naturally gifted stroke-makers, has struggled to convert opportunities into impactful performances in recent matches. His scores of 5 and 0 against Ireland, followed by a solitary 1 against England in the opening T20I, have intensified discussions around his place in India’s playing XI.

While the Indian team management has remained publicly supportive, the pressure is beginning to build.

Speaking during a discussion on JioHotstar, Pathan broke down Samson’s batting issues and explained why opposition bowlers have found a pattern to trouble him.

According to Pathan, Samson’s biggest problem lies in his bat face positioning, especially when dealing with deliveries outside the off stump.“You want to take the ball away from Sanju Samson. Even if you don’t, keep the line outside off-stump because his bat face remains closed,” Pathan explained.

The former cricketer noted that this technical limitation often forces Samson into awkward shot execution, increasing the chances of edges and mistimed strokes. This flaw has become increasingly visible in his recent dismissals.

Against Ireland, Samson attempted an aggressive drive only to inside-edge the ball back onto his stumps. A similar pattern emerged against England, where he chased a wide delivery and edged it straight to third man.

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The timing of these failures has made the conversation even more serious, particularly with teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi waiting in the wings. The youngster’s impressive domestic form has sparked calls from fans and experts for a possible change if Samson’s struggles continue.

With the five-match T20I series still underway, the next few games could prove decisive for Samson’s future in India’s T20 setup.

For Samson, this is more than just a dip in form — it is now a test of adaptability, temperament, and technique. If he can address the flaws and deliver under pressure, he could silence critics and cement his role ahead of a packed international season.

But if the failures continue, India’s selectors may be forced to make a tough call sooner than expected.