Sanju Samson's journey in international cricket has been a rollercoaster, marked by intermittent appearances and struggles to cement his place in the Indian team. Despite possessing immense talent, inconsistency often led to his exclusion, leaving him frustrated and filled with self-doubt. However, a significant turning point arrived after the 2024 T20 World Cup, with the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach and Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain. This new leadership duo recognized Samson's potential and devised a clear plan to integrate him into the team.
Samson's initial comeback series against Sri Lanka didn't go as planned, with the wicketkeeper-batter registering ducks in both matches. This poor performance brought back memories of past dismissals and fueled his insecurities. "I was a bit down in the dressing room," Samson recalled, "and Gautam bhai saw me and asked what had happened." Gambhir's response was both unexpected and confidence-boosting: "So what? I'll drop you if you register 21 ducks."
These words had a profound impact on Samson. He explained, "When a coach and captain speak like that, your confidence automatically lifts. You know they really trust you and want you to succeed." Gambhir's unconventional approach instilled a sense of security and freedom, allowing Samson to play without the fear of immediate consequences.
Adding to Gambhir's support, Suryakumar Yadav played a crucial role in providing Samson with consistent opportunities. During a Duleep Trophy game, Yadav approached Samson and promised him a run of seven matches as an opener. "He told me, 'There is a good opportunity coming up for you. We have seven games lined up, and I am going to give you all seven games as an opener'," Samson shared. This assurance from the captain instilled a sense of safety and allowed Samson to focus on his performance.
With the backing of Gambhir and Yadav, Samson transformed his game. He seized the opportunity to open the innings and showcased his aggressive batting style. In the subsequent series against Bangladesh and South Africa, he smashed three centuries, silencing his critics and solidifying his place in the T20I side. Since his T20I return, Samson has outscored every other Indian player, a testament to the trust and support he received.
Samson's success can be attributed to the clear communication and unwavering belief shown by Gambhir and Yadav. Gambhir's "21 ducks" remark, while seemingly unconventional, conveyed a powerful message of security and trust. Yadav's promise of a consistent run as an opener provided Samson with the platform to express himself and unleash his full potential.
As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, Samson is expected to retain his place in the squad and potentially open the batting. His recent form and the backing of the coach and captain have made him a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batter position. Despite facing stiff competition from other talented players, Samson's ability to score quickly and his improved consistency have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
However, Samson's future with his IPL team, Rajasthan Royals, remains uncertain. Reports suggest that he has requested a trade or release due to disagreements with the team management. While his IPL future hangs in the balance, Samson will be hoping to carry his T20I form into the Asia Cup and cement his place in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
