Cricketer Sanju Samson recently drew a parallel between his career and that of veteran Indian actor Mohanlal to emphasize the importance of versatility. In an interview with Sanjay Manjrekar before India’s match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage, Samson shared how he looks up to Mohanlal, who recently received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for his ability to adapt to different roles. This adaptability, Samson believes, is crucial for excelling in the competitive realm of Indian cricket.
When questioned about his preference for the opening spot in T20 internationals, where he has thrived over the past year, Samson humorously referenced his idol: “I can’t say I can only do a hero role. I need to a villain, I need to be a joker.” This reflects his willingness to adjust and experiment with different batting positions for the team’s success.
Samson recently had to leave the opening spot as India reinstated Shubman Gill, a decision marking a strategy shift that paired Gill with Abhishek Sharma at the top order. Previously, Samson had an impressive record as an opener, accumulating 487 runs in 18 matches since January 2024. Nevertheless, he is now tasked with adapting to a middle-order role, providing crucial experience in a line-up that includes emergent finishers like Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh. Despite initial struggles, he has received solid support from captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir.
In the Bangladesh match, another reshuffle saw Samson positioned at No. 8, and he did not get an opportunity to showcase his skills. Despite this, India’s total of 168 for 6, bolstered by Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive 75, was enough to ensure a 41-run victory, securing their place in the final, thanks to the bowling prowess led by Kuldeep Yadav.
Samson’s ability to embrace these challenges reflects his commitment to the team and his recognition of the roles he must play. His journey is a testament to how embracing new challenges can strengthen a player’s career, much like an actor’s versatility enhances their acclaim. As the tournament progresses, Samson’s positive outlook and willingness to contribute wherever needed offer hope for his success and continuous growth within the team dynamics.