New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir once made it clear that Sanju Samson should not be compared to MS Dhoni, insisting that the Kerala batter must carve his own identity in international cricket.
The remark, recalled by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in a recent interview, has gained renewed attention following Samson’s stellar performances in India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign.
Tharoor, who has followed Samson’s career from his early days as a teenage club cricketer, revealed that he had once described the youngster as the “next Dhoni”. However, Gambhir was quick to challenge that notion.
“Gambhir told me, ‘No, no, no — he does not have to be the next Dhoni, he will be the one and only Sanju Samson,’” Tharoor said, reflecting on the conversation.
The statement has since proven prophetic, as Samson has emerged as a key player for India with his own distinct style and temperament.
Samson’s journey has been marked by both promise and inconsistency, but his recent performances have firmly established his credentials on the global stage.
In the latest T20 World Cup, he was instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign, finishing as the tournament’s standout performer with 321 runs. His crucial knocks of 97 not out, 89, and 89 in key matches underlined his ability to deliver under pressure.
Tharoor highlighted one particular innings against the West Indies, where Samson’s composure stood out.
“You could see it in his eyes — the calmness, the confidence. I felt he was not getting out that day,” he said.
Beyond his batting, Samson has also earned praise for his leadership qualities. As captain of Rajasthan Royals, he has been recognised for guiding the team effectively over the years.
Tharoor described him as “quiet, modest, and unpretentious”, emphasising his ability to lead by example.
He also pointed to Samson’s selfless approach during the World Cup, where the batter prioritised team needs over personal milestones.
“In both innings where he scored 89, he could have slowed down for a hundred, but he went for big shots because the team needed quick runs,” Tharoor noted.
Samson’s career has not been without challenges. He has faced criticism for inconsistency and has experienced multiple exclusions from the national side, even after strong performances.
Tharoor acknowledged these struggles, stating that while some omissions were justified, others reflected the unpredictability of selection decisions.
“He has had to deal with a fair bit of unfairness. But that core talent was always there,” he said.
The recent string of consistent performances, however, has helped silence critics and reaffirm Samson’s place in the team.
Gambhir, who now works closely with the Indian team, has also praised Samson as a “special talent”, recognising the batter’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
His performances have not only strengthened India’s batting lineup but also elevated his status as a cricketing icon, particularly in Kerala.
As Samson continues to evolve, the message from Gambhir remains clear — he does not need to emulate anyone to succeed.
By forging his own path and delivering consistently on the big stage, Samson is proving that his identity as “the one and only Sanju Samson” is more than just a statement — it is a reality.
