According to keeper-batter Sanju Samson, who scored a century in the third Twenty20 International match against Bangladesh in Hyderabad, he is interested in playing Test cricket for India. The Kerala-born cricketer never had a steady run in the national team, despite making his T20I and ODI debuts in 2015 and 2021, respectively. He was always a backup because the 29-year-old’s erratic performances made it impossible for him to prove his value.
Samson is certain that he has the skill set necessary to be successful in red-ball cricket as well, though, following his century. In order to play red-ball cricket for India, he disclosed that the Indian team administration had contacted him prior to the Duleep Trophy 2024 and asked him to play Ranji cricket.
I think I’m capable of excelling in red-ball cricket, and I simply don’t want to be limited to white-ball cricket. I’d like to play for India in Test matches. I was informed by the leadership group prior to the Duleep Trophy that I was being considered for red-ball cricket and was urged to take the opportunity seriously and participate in more Ranji Trophy matches. The Hindu cited Samson’s statement.
During his 64 first-class appearances, Samson has scored 3819 runs at an average of 38.96. He will play when Kerala plays Karnataka starting on October 18, however he was not there for the first round of the current Ranji Trophy.
Gautam Gambhir thinks I have a talent: Sanju Samson.
Samson disclosed that Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of India, has faith in him because the former cricket player has expressed this belief. In an interview with Gambhir, Samson said that his coach’s encouragement gives him a lot of confidence and that the 43-year-old told him to play freely and fearlessly.
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Since the start, he has assured me that I have his complete support and that I shouldn’t be worried. He has faith in my abilities. He said, “His support is a huge confidence boost.”