Sanju Samson’s father, Samson Vishwanath, has voiced his frustrations over his son’s career trajectory in Indian cricket, attributing delays in Sanju’s progress to the leadership styles of former captains Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. He believes that their management decisions kept Sanju Samson from realizing his full potential and cost him valuable time in his career.
Sanju Samson, known for his explosive batting and wicket-keeping skills, has had a complex journey in international cricket despite excelling in domestic leagues and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His father’s remarks come amid growing discussions on whether Indian cricket is effectively managing emerging talent and giving enough opportunities to promising players.
Sanju Samson’s Journey: A Story of Promise and Patience
Sanju Samson first emerged as a promising young cricketer in 2013 when he began making waves in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals. His attacking style, combined with a natural flair for stroke play, won him fans and raised hopes that he would soon secure a place in India’s national team. However, despite his consistent performances in the IPL, Samson’s journey in the international arena has been intermittent and challenging, often marked by long gaps between selections.
For years, Samson has been on the fringes of the Indian team, selected occasionally for limited-overs series but rarely given a consistent run. His father believes this stop-start approach has undermined his confidence and limited his growth on the international stage. According to him, had Samson been backed more consistently, he could have cemented his place in the Indian lineup and been a reliable middle-order batsman for the team.
The Role of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli: A Father’s Perspective
In his comments, Sanju Samson’s father did not hold back in expressing his discontent with how MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli managed the younger players. Both Dhoni and Kohli are celebrated captains who have taken Indian cricket to new heights, yet they are also known for their own preferences in team selection.
MS Dhoni, as captain, was known for his loyalty to senior players and preference for certain types of wicket-keepers, which may have limited opportunities for young players like Samson. With Dhoni in the team until his retirement in 2020, Samson had limited chances to showcase his talent as a wicket-keeper-batsman for India. As Dhoni’s captaincy focused on experienced players who could handle pressure situations, Samson was often sidelined, even as he continued to prove his skills in domestic leagues.
With Virat Kohli at the helm, Samson’s father believes his son’s career faced similar obstacles. Kohli, known for his aggressive leadership style and emphasis on fitness, has favored players who can adapt to high-pressure situations and consistently perform at a high level. During Kohli’s tenure as captain, several younger players were given chances, but Samson remained on the periphery, with selectors often prioritizing others.
Sanju’s father expressed his belief that Kohli could have offered Samson a more extended run in the squad, allowing him the opportunity to find his footing in international cricket. According to him, Kohli’s choices and preferences ultimately delayed Samson’s progress, leaving him unable to reach his full potential on the global stage.
A Larger Debate: Is Indian Cricket Holding Back Young Talent?
The remarks by Sanju Samson’s father highlight a broader issue in Indian cricket regarding the nurturing and management of emerging talent. India has a vast talent pool, and competition for spots in the national team is fierce. However, cricket analysts and fans alike have often criticized the team’s management for giving inconsistent opportunities to young players, which can hinder their development.
The selection process in Indian cricket can be complex, with different captains and coaches having different criteria and preferences. While players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer have found support under Kohli and Rohit Sharma, others, including Samson, have found it challenging to secure a regular spot. The question of whether young players should be given longer opportunities or dropped after a few failures remains a contentious issue.
Sanju Samson’s Future: Moving Past Disappointment
As for Sanju Samson himself, the cricketer has maintained a positive attitude despite the ups and downs of his career. While his father’s comments reflect a sense of disappointment, Samson has often expressed gratitude for the opportunities he’s received. He continues to focus on his game and is currently a key player for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, where he serves as captain.
Looking ahead, Samson’s fans hope that he will finally get a consistent chance to represent India and make an impact on the international stage. With India set to compete in numerous T20 and ODI series in the coming years, there may still be an opportunity for Samson to fulfill the potential his father and many others see in him.
The comments from Sanju Samson’s father have sparked an important conversation about how Indian cricket manages its talent pool. While MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are revered figures, the criticism points to potential gaps in how promising players are nurtured and supported. For Sanju Samson and others in similar positions, it’s a reminder of the challenges young players face – and a call for a more consistent, nurturing approach to developing the next generation of cricket stars.