Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has long been one of Sanju Samson’s most vocal admirers, and the wicketkeeper-batter’s recent heroics in India’s record third T20 World Cup triumph only strengthened that belief. Samson’s Player-of-the-Tournament-winning campaign marked a defining moment in his career, but for Tharoor, this rise was always on the cards.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Shashi Tharoor recalled spotting Samson’s potential when he was just a teenager. “I first met him when he was 14, a young club cricketer with a big smile and immense talent, already excelling in both wicketkeeping and batting,” he said. Back then, Tharoor even compared him to MS Dhoni, predicting he could follow a similar path to greatness.
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However, that comparison was later challenged by Gautam Gambhir, who believed Samson didn’t need to emulate anyone. “Years later, Gautam Gambhir corrected me, saying he does not need to be the next Dhoni; he will be the one and only Sanju Samson,” Tharoor revealed, acknowledging how that perspective now feels perfectly justified.
Gambhir himself had backed Samson well before his peak, even calling him in 2020 the best young batter in India. Today, Samson’s journey reflects that early faith. While Dhoni remains the benchmark for wicketkeeper-batters — known for his finishing ability and unmatched leadership, including multiple ICC titles — Samson has carved out his own identity with flair and composure.
His road to World Cup glory, however, wasn’t straightforward. Sanju Samson struggled for form leading up to the tournament and was even benched at one stage. But when it mattered most, he delivered. A crucial knock against Zimbabwe reignited his confidence, followed by three successive half-centuries against West Indies, England, and New Zealand in high-pressure knockout games.
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“He has been a terrific success — quiet, modest, unpretentious, and an effective leader,” Shashi Tharoor said, also praising his leadership at Rajasthan Royals. “Even during his difficult phases, I always felt that if he composed himself, his core talent would come through,” he added, reflecting on a journey that has now come full circle.
