“Pata nahi kab khelne ko milega.” (I don’t know when I’ll get to play again.)
These aren’t just words—they’re the quiet cry of a cricketer who’s lived through the rollercoaster of Indian team selection for over a decade. In a deeply personal and emotionally charged reflection, Sanju Samson has finally spoken out about the insecurity that shadows even the most talented players in Team India. As the nation eyes the 2026 T20 World Cup, Samson—now back in his preferred opening role and wearing the gloves as first-choice keeper—finds himself at a crossroads between redemption and regret. His story isn’t just about runs or dismissals; it’s about resilience in the face of relentless uncertainty.
Table of Contents
- The Decade-Long Rollercoaster of Sanju Samson
- Why Opening Is His Sweet Spot
- The Suryakumar Yadav Factor: A Captain Who Believes
- India’s Wicketkeeper Conundrum: Is Samson Finally Secure?
- The Hidden Mental Toll of Constant Insecurity
- Conclusion: A Legacy Waiting to Be Written
- Sources
The Decade-Long Rollercoaster of Sanju Samson
Since his international debut in 2015, Sanju Samson has been labeled a “prodigy,” a “natural,” and even “the next Gilchrist.” Yet, his journey has been anything but smooth. He’s been dropped after single-digit scores, recalled after IPL heroics, benched during tours, and reinstated amid injury crises. Through it all, one thing remained constant: inconsistency in opportunity, not talent.
Despite averaging over 40 in T20Is and holding the record for the highest individual score by an Indian wicketkeeper in the format (111* vs Bangladesh), Samson has often been treated as a backup option. His emotional admission—“I don’t know when I’ll get another chance”—resonates with fans who’ve watched him deliver under pressure, only to vanish from the squad months later .
Why Opening Is His Sweet Spot
Samson’s recent resurgence coincides with his return to the top of the order—a position where he thrives. In domestic cricket and the IPL, he’s proven himself as a fearless opener who can dominate pace and spin alike. Now, under the new leadership structure, he’s been given that same freedom in the national side.
Opening allows him to set the tone, use his full range of strokes (including those trademark cover drives and lofted sixes), and avoid the middle-order traffic jam that often leaves him with too few balls. As he told reporters, “When I open, I play without fear. I know my role, and I trust my game” . This clarity could be the key to unlocking his long-elusive consistency at the international level.
The Suryakumar Yadav Factor: A Captain Who Believes
One of the most heartening aspects of Samson’s current stint is his bond with captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY). Both are modern, 360-degree batters who rose through the IPL ranks. More importantly, SKY understands the mental burden of being in and out of the team.
Their partnership isn’t just tactical—it’s psychological. Samson revealed that SKY’s constant encouragement and clear communication have given him the confidence to express himself freely. “He tells me, ‘You’re here because you deserve it. Now go play your game,’” Samson shared . In a team culture often criticized for its opacity, this level of support from the captain is invaluable—and possibly transformative.
India’s Wicketkeeper Conundrum: Is Samson Finally Secure?
For years, India’s wicketkeeper spot has been a revolving door: Dhoni, Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and now Samson. Each brought unique strengths, but none achieved long-term stability post-Dhoni. With Rishabh Pant still recovering from his accident and KL Rahul aging, the 2026 T20 World Cup appears to be Samson’s window.
Yet, the BCCI’s history suggests nothing is guaranteed. If he fails in two matches, the axe could fall again. That’s why his current performances carry extra weight. Every run isn’t just for the team—it’s for his own survival. For more on India’s selection dilemmas, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-wicketkeeper-evolution].
The Hidden Mental Toll of Constant Insecurity
Beyond stats and selections lies a deeper issue: the psychological toll of perpetual uncertainty. Samson’s confession highlights a systemic problem in Indian cricket—where even world-class performers live in fear of being discarded after one bad game.
This insecurity can stifle creativity, promote risk-averse play, and erode self-belief. As former Australian coach John Buchanan once noted, “Consistency in selection breeds consistency in performance.” The International Cricket Council (ICC) has increasingly emphasized player mental health, urging boards to provide stable environments . India’s treatment of Samson stands in stark contrast to that ideal.
Conclusion: A Legacy Waiting to Be Written
Sanju Samson isn’t asking for sympathy—he’s asking for a fair shot. At 31, he knows time is running out. But if given stability, he has the class, technique, and temperament to become India’s definitive T20 World Cup keeper. His emotional honesty is a wake-up call to selectors: stop treating elite talent as disposable. Let him play. Let him fail. Let him succeed. Because as he poignantly reminds us, “I don’t know when I’ll get another chance.” And neither do we.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Pata nahi kab khelne ko milega’: Samson breaks silence on missed chances
- International Cricket Council (ICC): Player Wellbeing and Mental Health Initiatives
- ESPNcricinfo Profile: Sanju Samson Career Stats