Amid the bustling cricket circuits, where talent and perseverance collide, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson finds himself at a crossroads of acclaim and aspiration. Breaking his silence on not making it to the ODI World Cup 2023 squad and looking back on his cricket journey, Samson shared some heartfelt reflections on a YouTube channel called ‘I AM with Dhanya Varma’. The sports scene listened intently as the 29-year-old recounted an assurance from none other than the ‘Men in Blue’ skipper, Rohit Sharma.
Rohit, noted for his acumen and leadership, was quick to touch base with the Kerala cricketer. “Rohit Sharma was the first or second person who came to me and talked. He told me, ‘Hey Sanju, wassup. You performed well in the IPL but hit too many sixes against the Mumbai Indians. You bat really well.’ I had great support from him,” Samson disclosed. These words were more than casual banter; they were a validation from a cricketing stalwart and a morale boost for a man often dubbed the game’s luckless talent.
“People call me the unluckiest cricketer,” Samson said, addressing a moniker ascribed by critics and fans alike. But this acknowledgment came without a hint of self-pity. Instead, he added confidently, “but where I’ve reached currently, it’s much more than what I thought I could.” For many, the essence of sportsmanship lies in such grace—a spirit that sees the glass half full.
Surveying Samson’s career captures an odyssey of ups and downs. Since making his electric international debut in 2015 in the 20-over format, Sanju Samson illuminated the crease in 24 matches with 374 runs. While this tally might not stir the cricket complicities, his 12 innings in ODI cricket undeniably impress, accumulating 390 runs at a remarkable average of 55.71.
His saga in the Indian Premier League (IPL) bears the signature of a consistent performer. With a battle-hardened blade, Samson has played 152 matches and racked up 3888 runs. This is a testament to his middle-order might and ability to channelise formidable form into tangible influence.
The last international fixture saw Sanju Samson play against Ireland in a T20I match in August 2020, where he delivered a 40-run blitz from 26 balls, keeping his cricketing prowess in the spotlight.
Inevitably, the cricket community continues to speculate and scrutinise the choices of the selection committee—why a player of Samson’s caliber finds himself on the sidelines of an event as monumental as the World Cup 2023. His recent omission seems to underscore the harsh unpredictability of sports. Yet, Samson’s demeanour and words ooze nothing but positivity and an underlying belief in his journey.
As the focus of global cricket fans shifts to the upcoming World Cup 2023, it is players like Sanju Samson that bring to the fore the intricate human stories behind the statistics. His account is a clarion call for perspective—a reminder that beyond the laurels and setbacks, an athlete’s spirit can transcend the game’s narrow measurements of luck and success.
The journey of Sanju Samson is not just a tale of runs and records; it is about the relentless chase of a dream, no matter the odds. As Sharma’s support indicates, even those at the pinnacle of success understand the winding paths their peers traverse. The fraternity stands united, echoing a resounding message to cricket aficionados—cherish the game in all its unpredictability, and stand by its champions, the celebrated and the seemingly luckless.