Punjab Newsline,Sports:
After missing out on matches at the T20 World Cup 2024, Sanju Samson opens up on challenges, patience, and his return as India’s opener
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has spoken candidly about the ups and downs of his international career, missed opportunities, and his return to the opening role for Team India. In a video released by the BCCI, Samson reflected on the challenging phase he went through during and after the T20 World Cup 2024, where he was part of the title-winning squad but did not get a chance to play a single match.
Samson admitted that the period was mentally tough, as things did not go according to the expectations he had set for himself. However, he said he remained grateful to be included in India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup. Being part of a historic tournament-winning team, even without playing, was something he valued deeply.
Looking back at his journey, the Kerala batter described his T20 career as unpredictable. He pointed out that in the shortest format of the game, opportunities can come and go quickly, and a player must always be prepared. According to Samson, fluctuations in form and chances are part and parcel of T20 cricket, and handling them requires patience and self-belief.
Samson also spoke about the pressure of playing for the Indian national team and the constant external noise that surrounds players. He acknowledged that it is difficult to ignore criticism and expectations, but said he focused on creating his own mental “bubble.” By concentrating on small improvements and daily routines, he kept himself motivated and confident that his moment would eventually arrive.
The wicketkeeper-batter described his move to the opening position as a turning point in his career. Initially selected as a middle-order batter, Samson got an unexpected opportunity when an opening slot became available. He made the most of that chance, batting in around 10 to 11 innings and delivering impactful performances. Those innings, he said, helped establish him as an option for India at the top of the order.
Addressing the stop-start nature of his international appearances, Samson said he chooses to see it as a positive. Even after nearly a decade in international cricket, he still feels a sense of pride and excitement every time he wears the Indian jersey, and that emotion continues to drive him forward.
Samson also highlighted his fearless batting approach in T20Is, saying it naturally suits the demands of the format, which requires players to play freely without overthinking mistakes. He further praised his understanding with T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, stressing that strong communication and mutual trust with the captain are crucial in this format.
Sanju Samson is set to open the innings for India in the first match of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand later on Wednesday.