Sanju Samson’s talent versatility on display yet chances go missing
The story of Sanju Samson’s selection for the Indian cricket team is starting to feel like a bad dream that repeats itself with enviable regularity. This is truly a feeling of déjà vu! Just one minute everyone was admiring his skill, and just a couple of days later, his name disappears from the team list again. How is it that Sanju Samson’s talent versatility on display yet chances go missing.
The Selector Paradox: When Not Being Called Out Is a Well-Deserved Reward
Take his last ODI match against South Africa for example. November 2023, the century that brought victory! Shouldn’t there be some trust after hitting the ball like that? But no. Instead, there was silence and another decision by the coaching staff to dispense with his services for the upcoming series against Australia. It’s not clear how to understand the logic of selection after this.
But there was something else too. The Asian Cup, where Samson had a tough time. He was essentially moved from his usual position to make way for vice-captain Shubman Gill. He had to adapt to a new system in the midst of the tournament. And in the decisive match against Pakistan, when the Indian team found itself in a critical position, it was Sanju who delivered a calm and intelligent performance – 24 runs and a key 57-run partnership with Tilak Varma. On the difficult, slow pitches of the UAE, he scored 132 runs in four innings at an impressive rate. The numbers speak for themselves.
Sanju Samson’s talent versatility on display yet chances go missing: the test of time
And Samson went through fire, water and copper pipes. His recent emotional speech at the CEAT Cricket Award ceremony revealed the full depth of his feelings. “At this moment, I want to thank myself,” he said. “Someone like me, who continued to work quietly and patiently put in effort — mentally and physically, despite all the challenges and obstacles.”
He dedicated the award to his wife, Charu, his supporter, and found the strength to acknowledge his own difficult path. And he reminded everyone of his quality: “After a long wait of 10 years, when I finally got the opportunity, I was able to score three match-winning centuries in just five T20 matches.”
This is the main question that haunts millions of fans: how many times can you demonstrate talent, flexibility, and teamwork, and still remain a backup option? Brian Lara called him special, but his own team still seems unsure.
Samson’s situation is a story about faith, patience, and that notorious “loyalty” that is so often lacking in professional sports. On the one hand, there’s undeniable talent and a willingness to prove his worth under any circumstances. On the other, there’s the incomprehensible, almost inexplicable indecision of the selectors.
One can only guess what is going on in the player’s soul. But his words, “I always focused on the process and my inner self, instead of external noise,” speak of incredible strength of spirit. He continues to work, silently and persistently. And we continue to ask the same question: why Sanju Samson’s talent versatility on display yet chances go missing?
