Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has finally spoken openly about his cricket journey, missed chances and the constant insecurity of playing for India.
In a video shared by the BCCI, Samson talked about his mindset, struggles and his return as an opener. He also shared how uncertain life can be for a cricketer at the top level.
Sanju is now named as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the 2026 T20 World Cup. But his journey was not smooth. There were many ups and downs, role changes and long waiting periods. Even after good performances, he often did not know when the next chance would come.
Role change, waiting period and comeback as opener
For some time, Sanju lost his opening spot when Shubman Gill was picked to open with Abhishek Sharma. Gill could not score many runs and was later dropped from the T20 side. After that, Sanju got his place back at the top of the order with Abhishek.
The numbers clearly support Sanju’s case. As a T20I opener, he has scored three centuries in just 18 innings. His strike rate is 178.02, which is very impressive. Among Indian openers with more than 500 T20I runs, only Abhishek Sharma has a better strike rate.
Talking about his long journey, Sanju said, “10 years of lots and lots of failures, few successes here and there, it has always been about understanding what it takes to be a World Cup cricketer for the Indian team and I think how badly do I want it. I like to go out and fail or succeed in my own way.”
World Cup disappointment, pressure and clear role ahead
Sanju also spoke about the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he did not get a single match. “Talking about the 2024 World Cup, I didn’t play a game. Yes, things were a bit up and down, to be very honest. It was not matching the expectations which I set. But I was still very grateful that I made it into the fifteen. My journey is so special ki pata nahi kab khelne ko milega (you never know when you’ll get the opportunity to play).”
He accepted that playing for India comes with heavy pressure. “I think definitely a lot of ups and downs keep happening according to this format… It’s very hard to not look at the outside noise when you are playing cricket in India and for the national team.”
On how he handled that phase, Sanju said, “But I made my bubble, I kept my people around me and I kept focusing on all the little things and I knew that my time would come.”
About becoming an opener, he explained, “(The opening spot) with God’s grace, actually it happened and out of nowhere I started opening.”
He also spoke about his bond with captain Suryakumar Yadav and his hunger to do more for the team. “My role is very clear. I just have to make a positive contribution. I still feel there is a bit more to do. There is still more hunger left in me to go out there and contribute.”
This phase marks an important chapter in Sanju Samson’s career as he looks to settle in his role and make the most of his chances for India.
