Sanju Samson recently smashed a memorable century in Hyderabad, calling it a moment of redemption. Reflecting on the moment, he shared how crucial the backing from coach Gautam Gambhir was. “When Gauti Bhai clapped for me after the 100, it felt really special,” Samson revealed. He admitted feeling pressure after two disappointing innings but said Gambhir’s trust motivated him to perform well and repay that faith.
“Everyone’s Journey is Unique”: Samson’s Mindset Through the Highs and Lows
Samson shared his perspective on the ups and downs of his career, emphasizing how each player’s journey is different. Despite debuting for India at the young age of 19, he faced gaps and setbacks in his career. However, Samson maintained a positive mindset throughout. “Everyone’s path is different. I focused on what was in my control and always believed my time would come,” he said.
He acknowledged that staying positive during long stretches without opportunities is tough but explained how gratitude helped him manage challenges. Samson reflected, “I reminded myself of the good things happening in life and focused on making every chance count.”
Managing Pressure: Lessons from Experience and Conversations
Samson opened up about the mental toll cricket takes, especially in high-pressure situations. “It’s natural to think about failures and the future, but I’ve learned to accept these thoughts and focus on what’s within my control,” he said. The cricketer credits years of experience and conversations with fellow players for helping him navigate tough moments.
Samson shared how he repeatedly reminded himself to enjoy the game and take things one step at a time. “There’s always pressure, but I’ve learned to break it down—practice well, stay mentally fit, and enjoy time with teammates,” he added.
Bond with Surya Kumar Yadav: A Friendship Built on Shared Journeys
Sanju Samson and Surya Kumar Yadav share a special bond that goes beyond cricket. Having played together in junior cricket and for BPCL, the two developed a strong friendship over the years. Samson said they have shared many similar career struggles and understand each other’s journey deeply.
Before the Hyderabad match, the two spent time in the nets discussing cricket and life. “Surya’s career transformation has been inspiring. I wanted to learn from him—how he became one of the best in the world in T20 cricket,” Samson shared. Surya, in turn, opened up about his struggles and mindset, giving Samson valuable insights.
An Emotional Tribute to His Parents: A Story of Sacrifice and Dreams
Samson also spoke at length about the sacrifices his parents made to support his cricket career. His father, a former footballer, left his government job in Delhi to move to Kerala, believing in Sanju’s cricket dreams. Samson recalled a childhood incident when his father filled a pothole on the road where he used to play cricket, just to make sure his son could play without interruptions.
“People told my father that it was impossible to achieve this dream, but he never gave up,” Samson said. Years later, standing at Arun Jaitley Stadium as part of the Indian team, Samson’s father reminded him of the sacrifices and said, “What I dreamed that day is happening now.”
Staying Grounded: Samson’s Approach to Life and Cricket
Despite the pressures and expectations, Samson emphasizes staying grounded and focused on the present. He believes in keeping things simple—focusing on the basics, practicing hard, and staying mentally fit. Whether it’s sharing a joke with teammates or learning from fellow cricketers like Surya Kumar Yadav, Samson finds joy in the little moments.
With a blend of humility and determination, Sanju Samson continues to chase his cricket dreams, backed by years of experience, family support, and friendships built along the way.
