Sanju Samson, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, opened up about the crucial support from T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir. In a recent interview with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, released on August 9, 2025, Samson detailed how their encouragement helped him navigate a tough period in his career.
Samson’s T20I Career Overview
Since his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2015, Samson has faced ups and downs with team selections. He was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team but didn’t feature in any matches. In 2024, he hit a high note with three T20I centuries, becoming the first Indian to do so in a single year. However, 2025 brought challenges, with just 51 runs in five innings at an average of 10.2 and a strike rate of 118.6.
As of August 2025, Samson’s T20I record includes 42 matches, 861 runs at an average of 25.32, and a strike rate of 152.39. He has three centuries and two fifties, showcasing his explosive potential.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Key Assurance
In 2024, during a Duleep Trophy game in Andhra Pradesh, Suryakumar Yadav approached Samson with promising news. Samson recalled: “I was playing a Duleep Trophy game in Andhra, Surya was playing as well, that’s when he came & told ‘Chetta, there is a good opportunity coming for you – we have 7 games lined up, I am going to give you all 7 games as an opener’.” This captain’s promise gave Samson a stable role as an opener, a significant shift from his irregular past appearances.
Gautam Gambhir’s Supportive Words
After the assurance, Samson opened in the Sri Lanka T20I series but scored ducks in his first two games. Disappointed, he spoke to Gambhir. As per Samson: “I played 2 games in Sri Lanka & I got duck in two games – I was bit down, that’s when Gauti bhai saw me, he came up to me and asked what happened – I told him that I didn’t capitalise on the chances I got – and he was like ‘So? I will remove you from the team only if you scored 21 ducks’.”
Gambhir’s response highlighted a patient approach, helping Samson play freely without drop fears.
Performance Impact and Future Outlook
This backing led to strong 2024 performances, including centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa. Despite 2025’s dip, Samson’s story shows leadership’s role in player growth.
The Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE, offers Samson a chance to rebound and strengthen his team spot.
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