The 2024 journey of Sanju Samson feels like a page out of Rohit Sharma’s playbook from 2013, a middle-order batsman given a fresh start at the top of the order, transforming his career and making his mark on Indian cricket. Much like Rohit, who in 2013 was promoted to open before the Champions Trophy, Samson’s move up the batting order has led to remarkable performances, providing him a second chance in a career that has had its fair share of ups and downs.
The Turnaround: From Middle-Order Struggles to Opening Success
Before Rohit was promoted, he had dabbled with the opening position in both ODIs and T20s but was yet to find solid ground. The move in 2013 gave Rohit’s career the boost it needed, leading him to become a permanent opener and eventually one of India’s greatest in the format. Speaking at a press conference in 2018, Rohit even suggested that fans and media alike should consider his career starting from that pivotal 2013 moment.
In Samson’s case, his elevation to opener came in early October 2024 during the T20I series against Bangladesh, as India rested regulars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. The promotion gave him an opportunity to not only solidify his role but also to revive a career that had been hindered by inconsistency and a lack of defined position within the lineup.
Early Struggles, Late Redemption
Having played 30 T20I innings across multiple batting positions in his nine-year-long career, Samson’s performance had often been unpredictable. Although he exhibited great potential, he hadn’t yet cemented his place due to fluctuating opportunities and his struggle to find a consistent form. However, the chance to open the innings seems to have given him the stability he needed.
In the recent series, Samson struggled initially but found his groove in the final T20I against Bangladesh, scoring a stunning 47-ball 111 in Hyderabad. Riding this momentum, he became the first Indian batter to achieve back-to-back T20I centuries, with a 50-ball 107 against South Africa in Durban.
Classic Samson: Controlled Aggression and Smart Shot Selection
Samson’s approach to opening echoes his most successful IPL innings, a methodical start, getting a feel for the pitch, then switching gears with well-placed boundaries and powerful strikes. Against South Africa, he carefully paced his innings, initially scoring at a strike rate of 100. Then, during Keshav Maharaj’s over in the third inning, Samson shifted up a gear, hitting four and six off successive balls. By the end of the powerplay, he was at 35 off 20 balls with three boundaries and three sixes.
Samson maintained his composure, showing restraint with his strokes, avoiding gimmicky shots, and focusing on clean strikes. His shot selection was textbook, relying on traditional cricketing strokes like the pull, which brought him 43 runs in the deep-midwicket area alone. His well-timed use of the crease against spinners added another layer to his innings as he confidently attacked with a mix of precision and power.
Mental Resilience: A Key Factor
Samson’s journey has been marked by periods of self-doubt, as he openly acknowledged after his performance. Years of inconsistent opportunities and limited game time led him to question his suitability for international cricket. “I have had more failures than success in my career,” he reflected. However, he’s learned to draw on his strengths, especially his shot-making abilities against both spin and pace. The captain’s support and constant encouragement from coach Gautam Gambhir helped him refocus and train harder, especially after his poor performance in July against Sri Lanka.
Key Support from Team Management
The backing Samson has received from team management, particularly from captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has been essential. After his struggles in July, both leaders advised him to improve his game against spin, suggesting he practice on rough pitches in Kerala. This vote of confidence from the leadership has reinvigorated his approach, which Samson credits for helping him bounce back.
“Communication during tough times is vital,” he noted. Samson’s appreciation for the trust shown by his captain and coach is evident, as he continues to reward that faith with outstanding performances.
What Lies Ahead for Samson?
With three more games left in this series, Samson has the chance to secure his place as a top-order mainstay. As a once-overlooked middle-order batter now performing phenomenally at the top, he has reinvigorated his career and brought a new dimension to India’s T20I lineup. Should his form continue, selectors may face a challenging decision with top contenders like Gill, Jaiswal, and Abhishek Sharma vying for the same spot.
A Poetic Justice
If Samson does cement his place as an opener, it would be a poetic continuation of the legacy left by Rohit Sharma another cricketer who rose from a middling career to national acclaim by stepping into the opener’s shoes. This transformation offers hope for a new chapter in Samson’s journey, one marked by confidence, resilience, and a shot at becoming an enduring presence in Indian cricket.
