After a stellar performance in the IPL 2024 with the Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson secured a spot in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup. The dynamic keeper-batter accumulated 531 runs over 16 matches, placing fifth in the Orange Cap race. Despite stiff competition from seasoned players like KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik for the wicketkeeper-batter role, Samson’s consistent performances in crucial matches earned him a well-deserved call-up to the national team.
Reflecting on his journey and experience with the Indian team, the Kerala-born cricketer described it as a dream come true. Samson emphasized that he has been diligently working on his fitness and honing his skills in the nets to prepare for the mega tournament.
Sanju Samson shared that the motivation to perform and improve comes naturally to him in such an esteemed environment. At 29, Samson highlighted the inspiration he draws from being around cricketing legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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“Right from the moment I landed here in the USA, IPL has been completely off my mind. I find myself in a completely different stage, reminding myself that I’m in a place where many people dream to be. I thought to myself, ‘What do I need to do?’ I need to hit the gym, focus on recovery, put in the work during net sessions. Mentally, I didn’t need any extra motivation; things just started to fall into place. ,” Sanju Samson told the BCCI.
He continued, “When you’re in this atmosphere, meeting icons like Mr. Rohit Sharma and Mr. Virat Kohli, you naturally get inspired and motivated. There’s no looking back—only looking forward to how Sanju Samson can contribute to India winning games.”
However, Sanju Samson faced a setback in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, scoring just one run while opening the innings with Rohit Sharma. This performance did not showcase his potential, and with Virat Kohli expected to play in the opening match against Ireland on June 5, Samson might find himself on the bench.
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First-choice keeper Rishabh Pant demonstrated excellent form against Bangladesh, making it likely that he will retain his spot in the playing XI. Sanju Samson remains a valuable asset to the squad, and his dedication and ability to adapt will be crucial as India aims for success in the T20 World Cup. His journey reflects the resilience and hard work required to reach the pinnacle of international cricket, and he stands ready to seize future opportunities to shine on the world stage.
