Thiruvananthapuram: Sanju Samson’s long wait to return to the national side has finally ended. The dashing wicketkeeper-batsman, who has been included in the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh, has never failed to woo cricket experts, analysts and former players with his rich batting talent. However, he endured a tedious four-year wait to receive his second call-up to the Indian team.
A regular in the India 'A' set up, the 24-year-old stroke-maker has been rewarded for a good Vijay Hazare Trophy season, having amassed 410 runs in eight innings, including a double century earlier this month.
Sanju played his sole match for India - a T20I - in July, 2015, when a second-string team toured Zimbabwe.
With Rishabh Pant being the designated wicketkeeper-batsman in the side, Sanju’s inclusion was being seen as a back-up. However, chief selector M S K Prasad has made it clear that he has been included as a specialist batsman and that Pant will continue as wicketkeeper.
Despite being a star performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Rajasthan Royals, Sanju was left in the wilderness ever since his debut. The resurgence of Dinesh Karthik and the emergence of Pant also played a part in him being out of India's limited overs set-up in the last two years. Also, he has not been consistent enough, especially for Kerala, and has had fitness issues every now and then.
The call comes on the back of some stunning performance in domestic circuit for Kerala, IPL and for India 'A'. Last month, he blasted 91 from just 48 balls to propel India 'A' to a win over South Africa 'A'. He also scored record-breaking 212 not out off 129 balls for Kerala against Goa in the Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru, just a fortnight ago. In the last IPL, he aggregated 342 runs, including a century from 12 games.
Sanju, who has experienced so many lows in his chequered career, says he has learned to embrace them. In a chat with Manorama, he unfolds how excited he is to be back in the Indian team.
How is the feeling of donning the national colours once again after a gap of four years?
I’m delighted to be back in the Indian team. In fact, I was waiting for this opportunity. I will try to do well against Bangladesh and justify the faith reposed in me.
Do you think you are a better batsman now than four years ago?
The only match I played in Indian colours was against Zimbabwe in 2015. I was 20 then. Definitely, my game has improved a lot over the past four years. The overall standard of the Indian team has also improved.
What will be your role in the Indian team?
It does not matter if I’m being used as a wicketkeeper or a top-order batsman. I will be happy to get into the playing eleven. I’m ready to shoulder any responsibility given to me.
