In the crucible of competitive sports, comebacks are often seen as monumental achievements. They serve as powerful affirmations of an athlete’s resolve, emphasizing the significance of perseverance and patience. For cricketer Sanju Samson, his recent performance under the bleak Hyderabad night sky was not just a testament to his skill but a poignant narrative of redemption and belief. Each of the 47 deliveries he faced represented a triumph over the self-doubt and setbacks that had shadowed his career. The crowd, along with his mentor Raiphi Gomez and devoted fans, reveled in a moment long awaited, finally able to declare, ‘Justice Prevailed.’
Sanju Samson has been no stranger to challenges and missed opportunities in his bid to establish himself in the Indian cricket team. The 2020 season marked the last time Samson was entrusted with a consistent spot, prior to the recent Bangladesh series. The intervening years saw a sporadic involvement, with short stints here and there that did not offer the continuity needed to prove his potential. It took nearly four years for Samson to witness a defining moment in India’s hues—a period characterized by trial and uncertainty.
Typically, Samson’s opportunities were as brief as they were unpredictable. Selected for ODIs when a T20 World Cup was on the horizon and vice-versa, this rollercoaster denied him the stability required to flourish. Despite his undeniable talent, he failed to secure a spot on the big stage or receive robust encouragement, blurring his path to elite cricket. Disheartening performances, notably during the two Sri Lanka series between 2021 and early 2022, only compounded his challenges, keeping him from India’s T20 World Cup squad until 2024. Even from the Ireland series in 2022 onward, a dominant run of play evaded him, as Samson remained on the periphery until his opportunity arose.
This recent Bangladesh series marked a pivotal chapter for Samson, with the Test regulars resting and a clear path laid out before him. For once, he wasn’t just a backup—this was his series to seize, with three matches at hand, establishing himself as the opening batsman. Anxiety loomed as Samson and his teammate Abhishek Sharma stepped onto the pitch. A solid start in the series opener was succeeded by a faltering performance in the second T20I, heightening the pressure.
. The stakes were high, as another missed performance would complicate his path back into the team.
But in a defining moment, Sanju Samson answered emphatically. His innings in the third T20I was an illustration of maturity, calculated risks, and determination. Despite the pressure, Samson maintained his aggressive style, strategically taking on bowlers. Displaying commendable poise, he faced the talented Mustafizur Rahman with audacious strokes, including a brilliant six. Samson’s explosive performance, especially against Rishad Hossain, dismissed any doubt as he propelled himself with breathtaking shots, leaving spectators in awe.
Reflecting on this critical juncture post-match, Samson acknowledged the significant weight of expectation and the frustration of not showcasing his capabilities earlier. “Yeah, it can get frustrating knowing what you can do out there and the way I have been batting, I thought that I could have done much better,” he shared. Samson emphasized the value of experience, noting that years spent confronting failures had bolstered his mental fortitude. “I have failed a lot so I know how to manage my mind accordingly so I keep telling myself that I just need to focus on the process, keep doing my training, keep believing in myself and one day it will come soon.”
Samson has consistently spoken about making impactful contributions. Quickfire innings might display promise but the reality was clear: achieving permanency in the team would require him to balance striking power with consistency. The recent innings, applauded for both its substance and style, was a testament to the evolution of his game. Previously dismissing anything below a fifty as failure, Samson went against the odds to craft an innings that silenced critics and heralded his steadfast intent.
The Hyderabad performance encapsulated the culmination of personal goals and team expectations. It was a moment that reassured Samson’s stakeholders of his rightful place in India’s T20 formation. As Rishabh Pant lingered as a potential contender, Samson’s blazing knock, the fastest T20I century for India, was a statement of intent. It established Sanju Samson as a staple in the T20 lineup, affirming not just his place on the team but telling a true-story comeback narrative that enriched his career with newfound hope and validation.
