Sanju Samson’s Rise in Indian T20 Cricket

Sanju Samson has emerged as a pivotal player for India in the T20I format over the past year. Despite not playing a single game during India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, Samson has since become the team’s preferred opener under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir. His journey to this position was not without challenges, as he faced setbacks early on.

Gambhir’s Encouragement After Consecutive Ducks

In a candid conversation with legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Samson shared insights into the unwavering support he received from Gautam Gambhir. After scoring ducks in two consecutive T20I matches against Sri Lanka in 2024, Samson found himself questioning his place in the team. It was then that Gambhir approached him with words of reassurance, telling him that only after scoring 21 ducks would he be dropped from the team. This vote of confidence from Gambhir played a crucial role in boosting Samson’s morale.

Opportunities and Performance in Subsequent Series

Samson’s fortunes changed when Suryakumar Yadav assured him of a seven-game run as an opener in T20Is during the Duleep Trophy 2024/25. This opportunity allowed Samson to showcase his talent, as he played regularly in the four-match T20I series against South Africa and the five-match series against England. During this period, he rewarded the team’s faith by scoring two centuries, solidifying his position as a key player.

IPL Trade Speculations Surrounding Samson

Off the field, Sanju Samson has been at the center of Indian Premier League (IPL) trade discussions following an underwhelming season with Rajasthan Royals (RR). The team finished ninth out of ten teams, leading to reported tensions between Samson and RR management. According to Cricbuzz, Samson has formally requested to be traded or released into the auction due to these differences.