Cricket, like few other sports, brings nations to a halt, and within the vast sea of talent that is Indian cricket, few players spark as much debate as Sanju Samson. The Rajasthan Royals skipper and wicketkeeper-batsman is beloved by a legion of fans, and his sporadic appearances in the national colors have often led to intense discussions on various platforms, especially when he is overlooked by national selectors. Sanju Samson’s international career, though it may not seem extensive, has seen him don the Indian jersey for 13 ODIs and 24 T20Is.
Despite the limited opportunities, a narrative circulates among cricket enthusiasts that views Samson as “unlucky.” This perception has emerged due to his frequent snubs from the Indian cricket team, despite an ostensibly strong domestic and IPL showing. However, in a candid episode of the podcast ‘I AM with Dhanya Varma,’ Samson unequivocally dismissed the idea of him being the ‘unluckiest’ cricketer, a label he finds baseless and somewhat foolish.
His response to sympathies concerning his supposed bad luck was forthright. He said, “I’m not very interested in that. ‘Aiyyyo, paavam Sanju! The most unluckiest cricketer!’ When I hear that I think, ‘what kind of foolishness is that!’ How am I the unluckiest cricketer? Where I have reached right now, it’s more than where I thought I could.” Samson’s outlook conveys earnest contentment and gratitude for the heights he has scaled in his career.
As the captain of the Kerala cricket team in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, Samson continues to show his mettle, recently scoring a significant 55 runs to help set a target against the daunting Mumbai team. His dedication and performance at the domestic level are reflections of his undying commitment to the sport.
Since being first picked up by Rajasthan Royals in 2013, Samson’s IPL journey has been notable. Ascending to the captaincy of the franchise in 2021, he has been a central figure for the team, both as a leader and a performer. His captaincy touches have garnered attention and praise, and his personal displays of skill with the bat have been instrumental to numerous victories.
In his conversation, Samson also opened up about his bond with Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. Reflecting on a touching moment early in his cricketing journey, Samson recounted, “The first or the second person who came and talked to me was Rohit bhai. He came and asked, ‘Haan Sanju, kya haal hai? Theek hai na? (How are you? All good?) You played very well in the Indian Premier League, and hit a lot of sixes against Mumbai Indians too! You’re batting really well.’” This support from one of the leading figures in Indian cricket is something Samson cherishes.
For Sanju Samson, cricket isn’t just a game; it’s the very essence of joy in his life. He articulated that cricket is the “happiest thing he does in his life” and that “90 percent of his life revolves around cricket.” This passion is palpable not only in his words but in his commitment on the field, whether he is wearing the blue of India, the pink of Rajasthan Royals, or the colors of Kerala.
The public’s love for Samson is a testament to his impact on Indian cricket. It’s a reminder that while not every talented cricketer finds a permanent spot in the ever-competitive Indian team, their contributions at various levels do not go unnoticed. Sanju Samson, through his optimism and love for the game, continues to showcase that sometimes, luck has little do with success — it’s the hard work, dedication, and passion for the game that truly count.