Sanju Samson scored 2nd fastest T20I century for India and many records on the way. Is this the turnaround Sanju Samson looking for in his international career?
In the realm of Indian cricket, where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce, few narratives are as compelling as that of wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson. The batting prodigy from Kerala, once hailed as a teenage sensation, has been facing a myriad of challenges on his path to stardom.
After his debut in 2015, it took five long years for Samson to get another chance to showcase his skills in the T20 International arena. While flashes of brilliance have punctuated his performances, a striking inconsistency has often marred his journey, especially when compared to his more explosive outings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Comeback for Samson?
But the cricketing gods had a different script in mind for him. On October 12, in Hyderabad, the prodigal son finally made his return. After disappointing outings in the first two T20Is of the Bangladesh series, the moment had arrived for Samson to rise to the occasion. He delivered with impeccable timing.
What set this innings apart was the way he approached it. Rather than batting like a man clinging desperately to his place, he played with the confidence of someone who understood what the team needed from him and what he was capable of delivering.
Samson embarked on his explosive batting by unleashing his full potential against Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, hammering four consecutive boundaries. By the end of the powerplay, he had surged to 37 runs off just 19 balls. He reached his fifty in the next over, striking leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for a six, a four, and another six—an aggressive statement that made it clear; he was not merely content with another fifty or sixty, he was on a quest for something monumental.
As the innings progressed, he left spectators and commentators awestruck with a remarkable punch shot off the back foot that sailed over the cover boundary in the eighth over. Even Mustafizur Rahman, who bowled a slower delivery, must have been left questioning the physics of the sport as the ball soared into the stands. This was a clear declaration from Samson: he was determined to seize the moment and not let it slip away again.
He reached his maiden T20I century in just 40 deliveries, marking the second-fastest ton for India in the format. As he celebrated reaching three figures, there was a moment of silence, a pause filled with emotion as he processed the significance of this achievement. A warm embrace from Suryakumar Yadav brought him back to reality, reminding him that he had conquered not just the bowler but his own self-doubt. All those who had believed in him through the highs and lows had been vindicated.
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Samson was not amongst runs till now
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Samson would open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma in the series opener against Bangladesh in Guwahati. For many, this felt like a last hurrah, a final chance to prove his worth in a team rife with competition for the coveted opening spots.
Samson himself harboured doubts after a disheartening series against Sri Lanka, where he recorded two ducks. Reflecting on that phase, he admitted, "I was a bit doubtful after a couple of ducks in Sri Lanka as to whether I would be getting a chance in the next series."
Like Sri Lanka, Samson failed to seize the opportunity against Bangladesh in the first two T2OIs. His batting was notably poor during the first two games. His lacklustre performance put Samson’s future in the India team at risk, raising questions about his ability to secure a stable position.
His T20I record for India reveals a modest performance across his career. Over 33 matches, he has accumulated 594 runs at an average of 22.84 and a strike rate of 144.52, which drastically increased with his recent explosive outing against Bangladesh. This record highlights his struggle to make a significant impact in the format.
What’s ahead for Samson?
Now, what lies ahead for Sanju Samson? As a seasoned senior pro stepping into a team navigating the post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era, he represents a critical figure for the management. Gautam Gambhir, coach of Team India, stood by Samson throughout the Bangladesh series, and his faith paid off spectacularly with the blistering ton. Gambhir’s support highlighted a crucial aspect of Samson’s journey: the importance of belief and mentorship in a player’s development.
Yet, despite his recent success, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. India’s cricket team is blessed with a wealth of wicket-keeping talent, including Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, which puts Samson’s position under scrutiny. His recent struggles in T20Is have amplified the pressure, as the competition for the wicket-keeper's role is intensifying with each series.
Samson's challenges are compounded by the sheer depth of talent in India’s squad. Players like Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel are also vying for limited spots, making it all the more difficult for Samson to carve out his niche as a specialist batter.
However, the electrifying century he scored in Hyderabad has reignited hopes for his future. As fans and selectors ponder his next steps, one question lingers: have India found Rohit Sharma's replacement at the top? For now, Sanju Samson stands at a crucial juncture, armed with newfound confidence and a desire to build on his recent success.
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