It has been a while since teenaged batsman Sanju Samson was touted as India's next big star and the latest to have spotted his "serious potential" is former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja.
"Sanju Samson is very talented and there are quite a few other batsmen who are good to watch. I think you have got to admire the 19 and 20 year olds. I would say that Sanju has got some serious potential," Raja told PTI when asked about the upcoming Indian batting talent.
The Kerala batsman was the find of the 2013 Indian Premier League and has not done any bad so far this season. He struck a stylish 52 against Kings XI Punjab in Sharjah and enthralled the Ferozshah Kotla crowd on Saturday before throwing his wicket away on 34.
Ask about the batting talent in Pakistan, Raja takes a pause before managing a response.
"It is always bowling that attracts you as a Pakistani fan. There is a lot of variety. Batting wise, I actually want more talent to come through. That is one area we are lacking. Let's hope more technicians come through the ranks. But for that to happen, there is a need to make the domestic circuit more competitive and vibrant," says Raja, who as a cricket commentator is as popular in India as he is back home.
Another significant development has taken place in the dynamic environment of Pakistan cricket. Fast bowling great Waqar Younis is set to return as the national team's head coach and will be working alongside former teammate Moin Khan, who has been assigned the dual role of being chief selector and manager.
