Indian cricket has always been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, and Sanju Samson is one such player poised for new heights. Having recently made headlines with his first T20 century against Bangladesh, Sanju is now setting his sights on the Test format. As he gears up for the second round of the Ranji Trophy with the Kerala team, his ambitions of making it into the Indian Test squad have come to the forefront. This article delves into his aspirations and experiences as he navigates his career.
Sanju Samson’s Pursuit of a Place in the Indian Test Team
While Sanju Samson has already made a mark in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s for team India, he is now eager to establish himself in the traditional Test format. Samson expressed his desire to not be confined to just white-ball cricket, emphasizing his ambition to become a versatile player for India across all formats. He has shared insights into recent discussions he had with the leadership group of the Indian cricket team about his future in red-ball cricket.
A Significant Revelation from Sanju Samson
In an engaging media interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju stated, “I believe I possess the skills to succeed in red-ball cricket, and I don’t want to limit myself to just white-ball formats. My ambition is to play Test cricket for India.” He recounted a conversation with the leadership group before the Duleep Trophy, where he was informed that they were considering him for the red-ball setup, and they encouraged him to take it seriously and participate in as many Ranji Trophy matches as possible.
Sanju further elaborated on his preparation, noting, “My preparation has been solid this time around. After the series against Sri Lanka, I trained with Rahul Dravid and Jubin Bharucha at the RR Academy, working intensively on my game. Scoring a century in the Duleep Trophy has greatly boosted my confidence, especially because it was against some of the country’s best bowlers.”
Learning from the Previous Ranji Season
Reflecting on the past, the previous Ranji season was less than ideal for Sanju, where he managed to score only 177 runs at an average of 35.40 over four matches. This time around, he aims to improve his performances in red-ball cricket significantly. His recent success in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a remarkable 106 runs off just 101 balls while playing for India D under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, indicates his potential. Not only was this a century he achieved after nearly five years in first-class cricket, but it also showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
As Sanju Samson continues to work hard and improve his skills, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike eagerly await his entry into the Test arena, confident that he has what it takes to excel at the highest level. With dedication and the right opportunity, he may soon realize his dream of becoming a multifaceted player for the Indian cricket team.
