“He Will Be the One and Only Sanju”: Gautam Gambhir’s Vision for Samson
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has long championed the talent of Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Following India’s historic 2024 ICC T20 World Cup victory, where Samson was part of the title-winning squad, Tharoor shared a revealing anecdote about a conversation with current India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir regarding Samson’s development and early comparisons to MS Dhoni.
Forging a Unique Identity
Reflecting on Samson’s early days, Tharoor admitted to making a common comparison. “I first met him when he was 14, a young club cricketer with a big smile and immense talent, already excelling in both wicketkeeping and batting. I had told him, somewhat patronizingly, that he would be the next Dhoni,” Tharoor noted.
However, it was Gautam Gambhir who reframed that narrative. Long before assuming his role as the national team’s head coach, Gambhir advocated for Samson’s distinct style. In 2020, Gambhir labeled him not just the best wicketkeeper-batter in India, but the premier young batter in the country.
“Years later, Gambhir corrected me, saying he does not need to be the next Dhoni; he will be the one and only Sanju Samson. That is exactly what he has become,” Tharoor stated.
Recent T20I Milestones and Leadership
While MS Dhoni established the benchmark for Indian wicketkeeper-batters—winning three major ICC white-ball trophies—Samson has charted his own course. Disproving earlier criticisms regarding his consistency, Samson solidified his reputation in late 2024 by becoming the first Indian cricketer to score consecutive centuries in T20 Internationals.
As the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, Samson has brought stability to the top order. His aggressive yet calculated stroke play has yielded significant returns, proving his capability as a frontline anchor and accelerator.
Sanju Samson’s Historic T20I Centuries
| Opponent | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Venue & Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 111 | 47 | 236.17 | Hyderabad (Oct 2024) |
| South Africa | 107 | 50 | 214.00 | Durban (Nov 2024) |
A Different Kind of Match-Winner
Tharoor praised Samson’s understated leadership and team-first mentality. “He has been a terrific success—quiet, modest, unpretentious, and an effective leader,” Tharoor observed. “Even during his difficult phases, I always felt that if he composed himself, his core talent would shine through.”
Rather than adopting Dhoni’s signature lower-order finishing role, Samson has excelled as a top-order aggressor. His ability to accelerate seamlessly during the powerplay and middle overs demonstrates a selfless approach tailored to the modern demands of T20 cricket. Supported by the BCCI management and Gambhir’s clear vision, Samson continues to build a legacy that requires no comparisons.
For verified player statistics and complete match histories, visit ESPN Cricinfo.