Anil Kumble Compares Sanju Samson to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Following Historic T20I Centuries
Following the retirement of modern batting giants from the shortest format, the Indian cricket team faced significant questions regarding its top order. Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble has identified wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson as the natural successor, describing his current batting approach as a hybrid of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Stepping Up After the 2024 T20 World Cup
During India’s title-winning run at the 2024 International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, Samson spent the entire tournament on the bench while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opened the batting. Following their immediate retirement from T20 Internationals, the team management drafted Samson into the opening slot to redefine the powerplay dynamics.
Samson responded by producing one of the most remarkable statistical runs in T20I history. Correcting widespread misinformation regarding his World Cup participation, Samson actually secured his permanent place through unprecedented bilateral dominance late in the year. He became the first player globally to score three T20 International centuries in a single calendar year.
Samson’s Record-Breaking 2024 T20I Centuries
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 111 (47) | Bangladesh | Hyderabad | 236.17 |
| 107 (50) | South Africa | Durban | 214.00 |
| 109* (56) | South Africa | Johannesburg | 194.64 |
The Perfect Top-Order Combination
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Kumble evaluated how the Kerala batter has adapted to the high-pressure role of replacing two all-time greats.
“If you look at the previous World Cup in 2024, it had Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both are great players, very difficult to replace them,” Kumble stated. “I think Samson is a combination of Kohli and Rohit, in a sense.”
Kumble observed that Samson executes the calculated risk-management required in international cricket. The veteran spinner noted that Samson possesses the tactical awareness to build an innings when wickets fall early, mirroring Kohli’s approach. Simultaneously, he can easily shift gears to dominate the powerplay with the aggressive intent characteristic of Rohit.
Cementing the Opening Slot
Data from the BCCI confirms Samson’s aggressive transition. During his streak of centuries, he hit 27 sixes across just three innings, maximizing the field restrictions and maintaining an elite strike rate well above 190. This boundary-hitting capability ensures the team maintains early momentum without compromising wicket security.
With ongoing backing from the team management, Samson’s ability to seamlessly blend anchoring techniques with pure ball-striking has firmly answered the questions surrounding India’s post-World Cup T20I opening combination.