Sanju Samson has become the eternal enigma of Indian cricket—celebrated as a gifted stroke-maker in the IPL, yet often left stranded on the sidelines when it comes to national duty. As the Asia Cup looms, his case once again sparks debate: is he the untapped match-winner India needs, or a talent still struggling to secure his place in the pecking order?
In domestic cricket and the IPL, Samson’s credentials are unquestionable. He has built a reputation as a destructive No. 3, scoring runs with a blend of elegance and power. His ability to accelerate against spin and pace alike has placed him among the most dangerous batters in the league. Season after season, he delivers knocks that light up the tournament, and his strike rate comfortably places him among the elite in T20 cricket. Yet, when it comes to wearing the India jersey, the story takes a different turn.
Despite debuting a decade ago, Samson has only managed sporadic appearances for India. His numbers at the international level remain modest, partly due to inconsistent opportunities and partly due to his own tendency to falter in crucial moments. Former selectors and ex-cricketers have not been shy in pointing out that while his talent is unquestionable, consistency has often eluded him. For a batter of his experience, critics argue, he should have already cemented his role—but India’s crowded batting line-up has rarely afforded him the space to breathe.
This Asia Cup presents another complicated scenario. The return of Shubman Gill as a regular opener and Abhishek Sharma’s emergence at the top has left little wiggle room. With Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma already preferred in the middle order, Samson finds himself caught in the no-man’s-land of selection. If pushed down to No. 5, he risks being typecast in a role that doesn’t suit his natural game, where he thrives with time to build before unleashing. At the same time, leaving him out entirely would feel like a waste of a talent that continues to flourish in domestic leagues.
Analysts highlight that Samson’s case is one of timing as much as performance. His record since the last T20 World Cup has been strong—over 900 runs in the format with a healthy strike rate and multiple hundreds. But a poor run against England earlier this year has given critics fresh ammunition. The selectors too have hinted that his recent appearances were more about filling gaps created by absences of first-choice players, not necessarily a sign that he is part of India’s core plans.
Samson remains in a curious position: good enough to be in every squad, but not always trusted to be in the first XI. The Asia Cup could therefore become another test of patience rather than an opportunity to break free. For fans, he symbolizes the frustrations of Indian cricket’s riches—a player who would walk into many other national sides but continues to hover at the fringes in his own.
Ultimately, Sanju Samson’s journey reflects the delicate balance between talent, opportunity, and timing. Whether this Asia Cup proves to be his breakthrough or another chapter of what-ifs depends not just on him, but on India’s selection dynamics. One decisive innings, however, could change the narrative forever.