Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals captain and one of India’s most elegant wicketkeeper-batters, has broken his silence on being consistently overlooked for India’s ODI squad—despite stellar domestic and IPL performances. In a candid and emotionally charged reflection, Samson revealed how scoring his maiden international century against South Africa became the turning point that restored his belief in his own worth at the highest level.
Table of Contents
- The Career-Defining Century
- The Pain of ODI Omission
- IPL Resurgence and T20 World Cup Redemption
- What Comes Next for Samson?
- Sources
The Career-Defining Century
For years, Sanju Samson was labeled “talented but inconsistent.” That narrative began to shift during India’s T20 series against South Africa, where he notched his first international century. More than just runs on the board, that innings was a personal validation.
“That century gave me the belief that I belong here,” Samson said. “Sometimes, you need that one moment to silence the noise—not just from outside, but within yourself.”
The knock wasn’t just about aesthetics; it showcased maturity, composure under pressure, and an ability to anchor an innings—traits selectors had long questioned.
The Pain of ODI Omission
Despite his T20 success and consistent IPL form—including multiple 500+ run seasons as Rajasthan Royals skipper—Samson remains absent from India’s ODI plans. The 29-year-old admitted the repeated snubs took a toll.
“Until you prove it, they don’t accept you,” he said, reflecting on the harsh reality of elite cricket. “You can perform year after year, but if you don’t tick the right boxes at the right time, you’re out of sight.”
Observers note that India’s middle-order stability in ODIs, coupled with the emergence of players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, has limited opportunities. Yet many fans and former players argue Samson’s dual role as a keeper-batter gives him a unique edge.
IPL Resurgence and T20 World Cup Redemption
Samson’s leadership in the IPL has been nothing short of inspirational. Under his captaincy, Rajasthan Royals reached the playoffs multiple times, with Samson often leading from the front with the bat.
His consistent performances finally earned him a spot in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad—a moment he described as “bittersweet.”
| Season | IPL Runs | Avg | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 486 | 34.71 | 136.51 |
| 2022 | 452 | 34.76 | 137.42 |
| 2023 | 526 | 37.57 | 143.32 |
| 2024 | 496 | 38.15 | 145.03 |
His inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad—where India went on to lift the trophy—was seen by many as long-overdue recognition.
What Comes Next for Samson?
With the 2025 ODI series calendar packed—including high-profile tours and the Champions Trophy on the horizon—cricket analysts believe Samson still has a window to force his way back into the 50-over setup.
“His glovework has improved dramatically, and his ability to rotate strike while accelerating in the death overs makes him a modern ODI asset,” said former selector Saba Karim in a recent interview.
For now, Samson remains focused on performance. “I can’t control selections,” he said. “But I can control how I prepare, how I play, and how I lead. The rest will follow.”