Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently recalled a conversation that captures Sanju Samson perfectly. Furthermore, Tharoor had once told a young Samson that he would be the next MS Dhoni. Additionally, when Tharoor later repeated this remark to head coach Gautam Gambhir, the response was immediate. Moreover, Gambhir corrected him firmly and with complete conviction. He said directly, “No, No, No, he does not have to be the next Dhoni. He will be the one and only Sanju Samson.” Consequently, those words now ring truer than ever after Samson’s extraordinary T20 World Cup campaign.
Tharoor Has Followed Samson Since He Was 14
Tharoor’s connection with Sanju Samson stretches back over a decade to his earliest cricket days. Furthermore, Tharoor first met Samson when he was just 14 years old playing club cricket. Additionally, he described the young Samson as a small chap with a big smile and tremendous talent. Moreover, Tharoor noticed that Samson was already both wicketkeeping and batting with remarkable skill. Consequently, Tharoor became one of Samson’s earliest and most consistent public supporters. Therefore, his current pride in Samson’s achievements carries genuine personal weight and long history behind it.
Tharoor recalled a specific and revealing moment during India’s match against West Indies. Furthermore, he watched the match on television and noticed something extraordinary in Samson’s expression immediately. Additionally, he observed the calmness and security in Samson’s face right from the opening moment. Moreover, Tharoor told PTI, “I said this guy is not getting out today.” Consequently, Samson went on to score 97 not out in that very match. Furthermore, Tharoor later told Samson personally what he had felt while watching from home. Therefore, that West Indies innings became the moment Samson’s World Cup story truly began.
Three Innings of Selflessness Define Samson’s Tournament
Samson delivered three consecutive crucial innings during India’s T20 World Cup campaign. Furthermore, he scored 97, 89, and 89 in three of India’s most important matches. Additionally, Tharoor specifically highlighted Samson’s selfless dismissals in the semi-final and final. Moreover, he noted that Samson could have easily played carefully to reach his century both times. Consequently, Samson chose big shots for the team’s benefit rather than personal milestones. Furthermore, Tharoor stated, “He went for the big shots because the team needed quick runs and that is Sanju.” Therefore, Samson’s three innings revealed both his talent and his extraordinary character simultaneously.
Samson finished the T20 World Cup as the Player of the Tournament with 321 total runs. Furthermore, India won their third T20 World Cup, their second title in a row. Additionally, this victory marked the first T20 World Cup won by a host nation in tournament history. Moreover, head coach Gambhir publicly praised Samson and called him a special talent after the campaign. Consequently, Samson’s tournament cemented his status as one of India’s most valuable batting assets. Therefore, the Player of the Tournament award validated years of patience, perseverance, and belief in his ability.
Kerala Finally Has Its Cricketing Icon
Samson’s World Cup heroics have given Kerala a cricketing icon that transcends social barriers entirely. Furthermore, Tharoor highlighted Samson’s consistency across three crucial World Cup matches as evidence of genuine greatness. Additionally, he expressed a desire to see Samson perform at the highest level across all three formats. Moreover, Tharoor specifically mentioned his hope of seeing Samson represent India in Test cricket someday. Consequently, the cricketer who once faced unfair exclusions and inconsistency questions now stands as India’s most selfless match-winner. Therefore, Gambhir’s words prove prophetic, Sanju Samson needed no comparison, no precedent, and no predecessor to define his own remarkable place in Indian cricket.
