Sanju Samson, once considered the ‘next big thing’ in Indian cricket, has faced his fair share of challenges in the national setup. Despite his undeniable talent, the Kerala-born cricketer was often in and out of the Indian team, struggling to cement his spot. However, everything changed in December 2023 when Samson played a career-defining knock against South Africa in Paarl, setting the stage for an incredible transformation.
A Defining Moment in South Africa
Before his breakthrough, Samson’s career was riddled with inconsistency. Despite his potential, he often found himself on the fringes, with limited opportunities to showcase his skills. That all changed during the South Africa series in December 2023, when Samson scored a brilliant 108 runs in a high-pressure match.
Speaking in a candid interview, Samson reflected on how that century marked a turning point in his career. “I was in and out of the side, playing a few games here and there. But deep down, I knew I was good enough to play at the international level,” he shared on the Sports Cast podcast.
The hundred, which included six fours and three sixes, not only impressed fans but also helped Samson prove to himself that he belonged at the highest level of cricket. “That was the moment when a lot of things changed internally,” Samson said, as he became convinced that he was destined for greatness.
Rise to Stardom After the Century
Samson’s innings in South Africa wasn’t just a one-off. It was the catalyst for a remarkable rise in his career. Following that match, the right-hander went on to produce a series of impressive performances. He scored three T20I centuries, two of which came in South Africa, with another brilliant ton at home against Bangladesh.
The century in Paarl not only solidified his place in the Indian team but also boosted his confidence in a way that changed his approach to the game. Samson recalls, “I knew if I didn’t perform, I could be dropped. But after that century, I told myself, if you can do this, you are meant for something even bigger.”
After this defining knock, he went on to enjoy a successful IPL campaign, scoring over 500-600 runs and ultimately earning a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The momentum from his breakthrough performance carried him through, and he soon became a regular in India’s T20I setup.
Despite this resurgence, there were still moments of disappointment. Samson was overlooked for India’s ODI squad for the tour of Australia, with Dhruv Jurel being preferred over him. However, Samson’s career trajectory remains on the upswing, and his consistency in the T20 format has firmly established him as a key player for India.
In the end, it was that one pivotal moment in South Africa that changed everything for Sanju Samson, both in terms of his cricketing career and his self-belief. From being in and out of the side to becoming one of India’s most reliable T20I players, Samson’s journey serves as an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
