Sanju Samson, India’s flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter, has carved a reputation for aggressive batting. But in a country brimming with talent, consistency is key to cementing a place in the national team.
Ups and Downs in Blue Jersey
Samson’s journey with India Cricket Team has been a rollercoaster. While he’s delivered some memorable knocks, inconsistency has hampered his progress. Yet, recent performances, like his inclusion in the T20I squad against Afghanistan, suggest he remains in contention.
Sharpening Weapons: Sanju Samson and IPL advantage
In recent years, Sanju Samson has embraced an aggressive batting style, particularly effective in shorter formats. As captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he has consistently impressed. His blazing 2023 season saw him score 362 runs with a scorching strike rate of 153.39.
But the main aspect that goes along for Kerala star is that he has the captaincy experience both with IPL and state side.
This aggressive approach is a conscious choice. “I always wanted to stand out… create my own style,” Samson said on Star Sports’ show Star Nahi Far. “No matter if it’s the first ball, I wanted to go out there and hit a six.”
Sea of Talent in IPL and Team India
India boasts a wealth of wicketkeeper-batsman talent. Rishabh Pant’s recent injury opened doors for others. Ishan Kishan has shone, while Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel have also earned national call-ups. KL Rahul’s wicket-keeping duties in the ODI World Cup and the South Africa Test series further highlight the fierce competition.
Never Satisfied: Grind Continues
Despite the challenges, Sanju Samson is determined. “The number of players, the number of talent and the competitions we have… a guy from Kerala, if he has to come and cement his place in the national side, he has to do something special,” he acknowledged.
Sanju Samson recognizes the need for continuous improvement. He remains dedicated to his craft, stating, “The grind keeps on going, I’m never satisfied. I just want to go on and keep doing something spectacular for the side that I play for.”
The fight for the wicketkeeper’s slot in Team India promises to be an exciting one to watch. Sanju Samson, with his aggressive style and unwavering determination, is well-positioned to make his mark.
