Sanju Samson, a highly talented cricketer, has had a career marked by moments of brilliance but inconsistent opportunities in the Indian team. His last match performances in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) offer a glimpse into his batting prowess and potential to cement his place in India’s competitive cricket setup.
In ODIs, Sanju Samson’s most recent standout performance came against South Africa, where he scored a stellar 108 off 114 balls. The innings was a carefully crafted one, starting slow but building into an assertive display of his stroke-making abilities. Facing a disciplined South African bowling attack, Samson initially showed caution, accumulating just 10 runs from his first 20 balls. However, as he settled, Samson unleashed his full range of shots, steadily guiding the innings in partnership with Tilak Varma. His ability to manage the strike and shift gears at crucial moments stood out as he pushed India’s total forward.
The pressure of the match situation and Samson’s ability to anchor the innings made this century particularly important for him. Coming into bat early, Samson not only ensured the innings didn’t collapse but laid the foundation for the middle and lower order to capitalize later. His performance led India to a competitive total of 296-8, and his individual score of 108 was hailed as a breakthrough, potentially paving the way for more consistent opportunities in the future. This was Samson’s maiden ODI century, achieved in his 16th ODI appearance, and it sparked conversations about his ability to become a regular member of India’s white-ball setup.
Switching gears to T20I cricket, Samson’s last significant performance came against Bangladesh, where he played a whirlwind knock of 111 off just 47 balls. Known for his explosive abilities in the shortest format, this innings underscored Samson’s potential as a T20I game-changer. His knock featured a flurry of boundaries and sixes, propelling India to a commanding position in the match. Samson’s ability to dominate bowlers with his clean hitting and fast scoring rate made this one of his finest T20I performances. This knock further highlighted his adaptability across formats, showcasing his ability to not only anchor innings but also accelerate at a rapid pace when required.
Despite these noteworthy performances, Sanju Samson’s career with the Indian team has been one of highs and lows. His ODI debut dates back to 2015, and since then, he has often been in and out of the squad, with competition for places being fierce. His T20I journey has followed a similar trajectory, with flashes of brilliance but limited chances to establish himself. However, these innings in ODIs and T20Is reflect his potential to become a regular fixture in the Indian team, particularly in white-ball cricket.
The 108 against South Africa was a long-awaited century for Samson, who had been striving to reach the three-figure mark in international cricket for years. It symbolized a turning point, as he finally managed to convert a start into a significant score under pressure. His T20I century against Bangladesh demonstrated his capability to shift the momentum of a game single-handedly, a trait much valued in modern T20 cricket.
Sanju Samson’s journey in Indian cricket is far from over. While his last ODI and T20I performances have been impressive, the key for Samson will be to secure more consistent opportunities and make the most of them. With talent, temperament, and a growing body of work, Samson could yet fulfill his vast potential and become one of the mainstays in India’s batting lineup in the years to come. Whether he can build on these performances and carve a lasting place in the team remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: when given the chance, Samson has proven that he has the skills to deliver on the big stage.