Sanju Samson seems to have finally found his rhythm in international T20 cricket. After a string of inconsistent performances over nearly a decade, the Kerala batsman has recently delivered two centuries in his last two matches for India—one in Hyderabad and the other in Durban—showing why selectors kept faith in him despite his fluctuating form.
As Samson approaches his 30th birthday on Monday, his international career spans only 50 games, yet he may have finally unlocked the secret to thriving at the highest level. On Friday, at Kingsmead, he dominated both pace and spin, batting with confidence, whether playing on the front or back foot. Once he was set, there was no stopping him.
“After so many years of experience, I now understand my ability. If I spend time at the wicket, I can handle both pace and spin, and I know I can contribute well to the team and help us win,” Samson said after his 107 off 50 balls, leading India to a 61-run victory in the first T20I against South Africa.
Samson’s explosive knock included 10 sixes and seven fours, helping India post 202 for 8 in their 20 overs. The Proteas, in response, struggled and were dismissed for 141.
However, Samson wasn’t always so confident. Being frequently in and out of the team and facing criticism when he didn’t perform added to his doubts. “Failures are part of my career, and there were times I questioned myself,” Samson admitted. “Social media can amplify those doubts, but focusing on improvement is key.”
During tough times, the support of captain Suryakumar Yadav and mentors like Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman proved crucial. “When you have a captain who calls you after a duck and advises you on how to practice, it boosts your confidence,” Samson shared. He highlighted how Gambhir and Suryakumar guided him, advising him to practice on rough pitches back home in Kerala to sharpen his game.
Samson acknowledges that despite not having a permanent spot in the team, he has remained in the setup, and with the departure of veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20 cricket, he has taken the opportunity to step up.
“I’m grateful for the trust shown in me. I will continue to train hard and aim to contribute to the team,” Samson said, reflecting on his recent performances.
The conditions at Kingsmead presented a different challenge, with a bouncy wicket that was unfamiliar to Indian players. Scoring a century in such conditions was a testament to Samson’s maturity. “It’s a special feeling to score 100 for your country. The wicket was a bit spongy, and it had been raining for days, making it a challenge. But we practiced for hours in those conditions to be prepared,” he added.
The ongoing T20I series is crucial for India as they build towards the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. As defending champions, India will have a target on their back, and Samson and his teammates are determined to live up to their status.
“Even when conditions are tough or we lose the toss, our goal is to go all out,” Samson emphasized. “We want to dominate, no matter the opposition or conditions, because we are the world champions.”
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