Sanju Samson Journey So Far
Sanju Samson Journey So Far: Sanju Samson is a fine wicket-keeper batsman in Kerala, who has a sound technique with the bat and behind the stumps. He made his first-class debut at 17 years of age while playing for Kerala against Vidarbha.
Samson quickly made an impact with a couple of hundreds and a fifty in his first five games in the next season. He was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders, but he didn’t get any game time for them. That’s when Samson began to make his name for himself in the IPL when he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals.
This young cricket player from India was sent to the UAE to represent them in the Under-19 World Cup and did not disappoint. He was the top run-getter for India and was the only player in the team to hit three fifties. In fact, he finished 6th on his list of batsmen with most runs in the entire tournament despite Indian not qualifying to the semi-final.
When Dravid taught the Royals in the IPL, he stated that Samson is one of the players in their squad, who will excel for India. Samson’s performances during the 2015 league matches meant he was selected for Zimbabwe tour. He made his debut for India in a Twenty20 game, where he scored 19.
In 2016, Dravid, being the head coach of Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League Auction, picked up Samson in the auction and the wicket-keeper repaid it by becoming the 3rd highest scorer for his team. He was picked for India A’s tour of Australia and played a few handy knocks that helped them win their quadrangular series involving Australia A, South Africa A and National Performance Squad. During the 2014-15 season, Keralite had gone so high up on India’s batting order that he was expected to be a successor to MSD as India’s glovesman. Sadly, his fortunes were plummeted since then.
Samson’s game has gone up as expected, considering the talent and experience he has, but his temperament continues to be that of a rookie.
Samson should correct this area as soon as possible, since he does not have many opportunities to play international cricket. Competition from the explosive Rishabh Pant, who can position himself at any batting spot in the order, means that Samson needs to be on his toes.
Samson started his career as a wicketkeeper-batsman while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he never got many opportunities there. His stint at the Rajasthan Royals included such talent on display that led to him being spotted by Dhoni, who handed over the responsibilities of MS as his successor. Williams changed in temperament throughout his career and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but still managed to be counted for a superstar player gifted with explosive batting skills and extreme shot making ability.
Despite starting the season with a flurry of impressive scores, Samson would fizzle out in old age and the lack of interest in wicketkeeping would set him back considerably. It was too late when he attempted a comeback as India’s wicketkeeper batsmen because he had already lost a lot of ground to other players.
Over the past five years, Samson’s success was limited to Delhi and his performances were subpar at RR. Perhaps because of an unfulfilling season with them in 2018, Sanju is more frustrated than ever this year.
Samson is a domestic recruit, which means that while he doesn’t contribute as much as overseas players in the IPL, he still adds value. Samson has been in search of that one big season that will take his game to the next level and make him an international star.