For several years, Sanju Samson, the star Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has become a topic of debate among cricket fans. His appearance in the international arena has been irregular, and he has been inconsistent in his performance. Hailed as one of the most talented cricketers in the Indian Premier League, Samson has failed to replicate domestic success with consistent performances at the international level.

Whereas Samson has featured in 278 T20 games since his T20I debut nine years ago, his impact at the international level was very few, with only 30 T20I appearances almost spanning a decade. This stark contrast between the domination of the IPL and struggles at the international level continually raised questions over his ability in seizing opportunities that come his way at the highest level. Yet, amidst it all, the Kerala-born cricketer is still hopeful and focused on his future.

While discussing his experience, Sanju Samson said, “The past three-four months have been the best time in my career. Getting picked for the World Cup team was like a dream come true; it was what I was wishing for the past three-four years. My goal was to play in my last ODI World Cup. But it was only when I joined the team and won the Twenty20 World Cup that I felt it wasn’t an easy job. In the last series against Sri Lanka, I didn’t turn up as expected.”

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The recent outings of Samson in the T20I series against Sri Lanka again brought his international career under the scanner. He had a great opportunity to really cement his place at the crucial No. 3 position in the T20I lineup, but he failed to capitalize on that and scored ducks in back-to-back games.

Sanju Samson said, “the last 3-4 months have been the best of my career. Being part of the World Cup team is like a dream come true something I desired 3-4 years ago. My wish was to play in my last ODI World Cup. I didn’t perform well in the previous series”. (ZEE). pic.twitter.com/PoxFvFEjlZ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 10, 2024

This recent dip in form has raised eyebrows, especially considering he has been dismissed without scoring in three of his last five T20I innings. The struggle is a far cry from the performances seen in the IPL, when he dazzles often with his effortless stroke play and impeccable timing.

The ongoing challenges on the international front show no signs of deterrence in Samson’s mindset. It empowers the unconditional support of his fans, which allowed him to continue having a belief in his potential.

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“The support I’ve been getting from people all across the country, and from Malayalis all the way from New Zealand to the West Indies, it’s unreal. The other members in the team say wherever I go, I’ve got this great support. That’s why they feel disappointed when I don’t make it into the team or get out for a duck. I have the maturity to understand that,” Samson concluded.

Now, entering a vital period in his career, the fortitude and nerve that will help Samson finally achieve his full potential on the world scene are going to have to be very strong.