Sanju Samson, one of India’s most talented and explosive young cricketers, is finally experiencing a career resurgence. After years of inconsistent opportunities, he has emerged as a key player for India, especially in T20Is.
In a remarkable turn of events, he became the first Indian batsman to score two consecutive T20I centuries, a feat that has strengthened his case for a place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. However, amidst his success, a longstanding issue has surfaced: his father, Vishwanath Samson, has publicly accused several prominent Indian cricketers and coaches of sabotaging his son’s career for over a decade.
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Sanju Samson’s Remarkable Comeback
Sanju Samson’s journey to prominence has been anything but smooth. He made his T20I debut for India in 2015, but it wasn’t until late 2020 that he started to receive regular opportunities to prove himself. Samson, often regarded as a prodigious talent, faced long stretches of inactivity, and his career was marred by doubts about his future in the national team. Despite these setbacks, Samson’s persistence paid off with two back-to-back centuries in T20Is—first against Bangladesh in Hyderabad, followed by a blistering 107 off 50 balls against South Africa in Durban.
These performances have not only solidified his place in the team but also hinted at his potential role in India’s plans for the future. However, his journey to this point has not been without its struggles.
Vishwanath Samson’s Frustration with Past Leadership
Sanju’s father, Vishwanath Samson, has been vocal about his frustration with the obstacles his son faced throughout the years. In a candid statement, he expressed deep disappointment with the decisions made by former Indian cricket captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, as well as head coach Rahul Dravid. According to Vishwanath, these figures played a significant role in stalling his son’s career growth.
Vishwanath remarked, “There are 3-4 people who wasted 10 years of my son’s vital career… captains like Dhoni ji, Virat [Kohli] ji, Rohit [Sharma] ji, and coach [Rahul] Dravid ji. These four people destroyed 10 years of my son’s life, but the more they hurt him, the stronger Sanju came out of the crisis.”
His statement points to the frustration many fans and analysts have shared for years: the lack of consistent opportunities for one of the country’s most promising players. For a player with the skills Samson possesses, his career stagnation under previous leadership has raised questions regarding team selection processes.
Support from Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav
Despite these challenges, Vishwanath Samson credits his son’s current resurgence to the support of two figures: the current head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Vishwanath acknowledged that had it not been for their belief in Sanju, his son would likely have faced the same fate as in the past, with limited chances to showcase his talent.
He said, “I am very happy, and I want to thank Gautam Gambhir bhai and Suryakumar bhai, if these two people did not come at this time, they would have dropped him from the team like in the past.”
Both Gambhir and Suryakumar have been instrumental in giving Samson the confidence to shine. Gambhir, in particular, has been a vocal advocate for players who show promise but are often sidelined. Under their leadership, Samson has flourished, and his performances are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Sanju Samson’s Career Stats and Future
Sanju Samson’s career has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but his recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Over his T20I career, he has accumulated 701 runs at a batting average of 25 and a strike rate of 151. These numbers, especially his impressive strike rate, demonstrate his ability to take on opposition attacks with ease and deliver match-winning performances. With his recent centuries, he has shown that he can be a consistent performer in the shortest format of the game.
As India looks ahead to future international competitions, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson’s place in the team seems more assured than ever. His recent performances are a testament to his talent, but also a reflection of his resilience in the face of adversity.
Sanju Samson’s father’s candid remarks shed light on the struggles his son faced over the years, with past leaders and coaching staff contributing to his prolonged wait for opportunities. However, the tide has finally turned, and Samson’s recent performances speak volumes about his capabilities. Thanks to the support of figures like Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, Samson is now in a position to continue building his career and leave behind the frustrations of the past. As he continues to make his mark on the international stage, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see just how far his resurgence will take him.
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FAQs
Why did Sanju Samson’s father criticize MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid?
Sanju Samson’s father believes that these cricket icons hindered his son’s career by not giving him enough opportunities over the past decade, impacting his growth as an international cricketer.
What achievements have highlighted Sanju Samson’s recent comeback?
Sanju recently became the first Indian batsman to score two consecutive T20I centuries, with stellar performances against Bangladesh and South Africa.
Who does Sanju Samson’s father credit for his recent career revival?
His father credits head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, acknowledging their support as instrumental in Sanju’s resurgence.
What is Sanju Samson’s current role in the Indian T20I team?
With strong recent performances, Sanju Samson has secured a key position in India’s T20I squad and is expected to play a prominent role in upcoming international tournaments.
