The spotlight was back on Sanju Samson as India faced Bangladesh in the first T20I of their three-match series in Gwalior on October 6, 2024. With fans eagerly awaiting the start of the new series, Samson delivered a classy knock that left cricket experts and enthusiasts buzzing. Among them, former cricketer and now-commentator Aakash Chopra recalled an insightful statement made by none other than India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
“If Sanju Samson Doesn’t Play for India, It’s India’s Loss” – Gautam Gambhir’s Remark Echoes Again
Aakash Chopra highlighted Gambhir’s long-standing belief that Sanju Samson deserved a place in India’s lineup, pointing to the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter’s extraordinary talent. Samson, who opened the innings, scored 29 runs off 19 deliveries, showcasing his ability to play match-winning cricket while demonstrating elegance at the crease.
“Gautam Gambhir said long back that if Sanju Samson doesn’t play for India, it’s India’s loss. He was made to open.”
The weight of Gambhir’s statement continues to be felt as Samson proves his worth with every opportunity he gets in the national side.
A Classy Knock: Samson’s “Silken Touch” Lights Up Gwalior
As India chased down Bangladesh’s modest total of 127 with seven wickets in hand and plenty of deliveries to spare, Samson’s contribution stood out for its finesse and precision. Aakash Chopra was full of praise for the manner in which Samson built his innings, likening his touch to silk.
“The silken touch was seen. He wasn’t hitting the ball hard. It seemed like he didn’t want to hurt the ball, and he was hitting one four after another.”
Samson’s innings may not have lasted long, but it was filled with delightful strokes. He struck six boundaries during his 29-run stay, yet notably, he was the only Indian batter who didn’t hit a six in the game. His strokes were carefully placed, as if caressing the ball rather than bludgeoning it, leaving fans mesmerized by his technique.
Could Samson Have Gone Further?
While Samson’s knock was a breath of fresh air, Chopra voiced his desire to see him play an even longer innings, especially considering the immense potential he possesses.
“He is good. He scored 29 runs. My only thing was that since he had reached here, he should go slightly further ahead.”
The concern for Chopra, and many cricket fans alike, is that Samson’s inconsistency in converting starts into big scores might affect his place in the Indian lineup. With competition for spots intensifying, every opportunity matters.
“He should score a few more runs because, otherwise, they would drop him. He keeps moving in and out (of the side), and up and down (the batting order).”
The Path Ahead: Big Scores in the Next Matches?
The first T20I provided glimpses of what Samson is capable of, but the pressure is still on him to produce a match-winning performance in the upcoming games. Chopra echoed this sentiment, hoping that Samson could unleash a big innings in the second T20I in Delhi or the final match in Hyderabad.
“At least, he got a good start, and I really hope that a big knock comes in Delhi or the last match in Hyderabad, so that you stay in everybody’s thoughts.”
Suryakumar Yadav’s Captaincy and Fireworks at the Crease
While Samson’s knock received much attention, Aakash Chopra also commended captain Suryakumar Yadav for his enterprising performance. Yadav, who has already carved a reputation for his innovative stroke play, lived up to his aggressive style by scoring 29 runs off just 14 balls, including two fours and three sixes.
Chopra was quick to praise the skipper’s approach, noting:
“Suryakumar Yadav also said that the captain will play like this. It was a dominating performance. In fact, the ball he got out to wasn’t a wicket-taking ball, he played a good shot as well, but just found a fielder in the deep.”
Yadav’s aggressive knock, combined with contributions from Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy, ensured that India chased down the target with ease, leaving Bangladesh with plenty to think about ahead of the next match.
Final Thoughts: Samson’s Performance a Glimpse of What Could Be
Sanju Samson’s innings in the first T20I against Bangladesh was a demonstration of the incredible talent that has long been recognized by cricket experts like Gautam Gambhir and Aakash Chopra. While his 29-run knock was impactful, the cricketing world knows that Samson is capable of much more.
With the next two T20Is approaching, the pressure is on Samson to turn his promising starts into match-defining innings. If he can continue to display the same class and push on for a bigger score, Gambhir’s words—”If Sanju Samson doesn’t play for India, it’s India’s loss”—will resonate even louder.
Fans now eagerly await the next chapter in Samson’s story, hoping that his talent shines through in the upcoming games, securing his place not only in the team but also in the hearts of Indian cricket followers.
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