Sri Lankan cricket icon Kumar Sangakkara envisions a promising journey for Sanju Samson at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup if he secures the position as India’s primary wicket-keeper.
Under Sangakkara’s guidance at Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Samson has showcased remarkable form, accumulating an impressive tally of 471 runs from 11 matches while executing seven dismissals behind the stumps.
India’s 15-player squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup includes two specialist keepers, setting the stage for a compelling showdown between Samson and the returning Rishabh Pant to claim the wicket-keeping role in the tournament scheduled to take place in the USA and the West Indies.
As a former elite wicket-keeper batter, Sangakkara recognizes Samson’s potential and anticipates his significant impact if he secures his position in India’s starting XI.
“Sanju is a remarkable player, capable of achieving great feats when he’s focused and rejuvenated,” Sangakkara praised. “He embodies humility and a grounded demeanour, preferring privacy over social media attention while prioritizing the welfare of the team.”
“These traits, alongside his talent and skill, position him as a valuable asset within the World Cup squad,” Sangakkara continued optimistically.
Despite Samson’s notable contributions in the IPL over recent years, the 29-year-old missed selection for India’s previous T20 World Cup campaign and has garnered just 25 T20I appearances since his debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe.
Nonetheless, Sangakkara believes Samson’s evolved maturity and refined mental approach distinguish him from previous years, enabling him to harness his full potential.
“This season, Sanju has demonstrated a newfound clarity in his batting approach,” Sangakkara remarked. “Addressing lapses in concentration observed in previous seasons, he has embraced a revised perspective on rest and recovery, prioritizing mental and physical rejuvenation over relentless training.”
“In essence, Sanju’s exceptional talent is now complemented by a holistic approach to the game,” Sangakkara concluded, expressing confidence in Samson’s readiness to excel on the world stage.
