Last Updated:
Sanju Samson is finally enjoying sustained success at the international level having struck back-to-back T20I centuries.
Sanju Samson scored 107 off 50 in the first T20I. (AP Photo)
Sanju Samson’s international career began in 2015 and since then, he has managed to play just 34 T20Is and 16 ODIs so far. His career has coincided with India consistently producing quality wicketkeeper-batters including MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan among others. The fact that KL Rahul is more than capable of holding his own behind the stumps have further limited the opportunities that could have come Samson’s way, and the next generation has already started banging on the door too.
So Samson had to maximise the chances that were afforded to him and every little failure would appear larger in magnitude given the quality India had at their disposal. The failures did cast doubts on his mind if he belonged to the international level.
“I have faced a lot of failures in my career,” Samson told reporters in Durban on Friday. “I think when you go through that failure, you have lot of doubts in your mind. People definitely say that social media definitely plays a role. But you also think a lot about yourself. Sanju, are you not made for international level? I think you are doing well in IPL. Why are you not doing well internationally? So I have a lot of such thoughts.”
Samson finally seems to have cracked the code to success in T20Is having blasted back-to-back centuries and becoming the first ever Indian batter to do so.
He scored 111 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last month and followed that with 107 against South Africa in Durban on Friday.
The experience has helped Samson develop the confidence in his ability.
“…after so many years of experience, I know what my ability is. If I spend some time in the wicket, then I have a shot-making ability in spin and pace and I know that I can definitely contribute well to the team. I can win the match. This is also a reality. There are definitely a lot of downs happening but the upside is also really good. So I kept telling myself that,” Samson said.
Samson struck seven fours and 10 sixes during his 50-ball assault which propelled India to 202/8 against South Africa in the four-match series opener.
“When you score 100 for your country, it’s definitely a very special feeling. The wicket was a little more bounced, a little spongy in the beginning. It’s been raining here for 3-4 days, so I think it was a bit more challenging condition,” Samson said.
- Location :
Durban (South Africa)
