Sanju Samson reckons scoring runs in IPL is not sufficient to guarantee a spot in India team

Kerala youngster Sanju Samson has been through a rough phase in his cricketing career despite finding early success as a teenager. Samson had grabbed eyeballs during his stint with the Rajasthan Royals but lost his form in the Ranji Trophy last year. He endured a knee injury, and also faced disciplinary issues with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). However, Sanju made amends and was once again among the runs in the 2017 IPL.

The 22-year-old finished with 386 runs as Delhi Daredevils’ highest scorer this season. But his achievement in the IPL hasn’t made him complacent about the upcoming domestic season. Samson has already begun his preparations with the Kerala team under their newly-appointed coach Dav Whatmore at the CSS Centre for Cricket at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai. He asserted that a good preseason was important for a lucrative tournament.

Rahul Dravid key to my change in technique 

“I had struggled with my fitness last season. Since the matches were being played in neutral venues, we had to travel a lot and it would take a toll on my body. And I would end up not making the right decisions in pressure situations. So this year, I’ve already started working on my fitness,” Samson told TOI.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has also made a few alterations to his batting technique after having failed on several occasions in the previous season. “Last year, I wanted to perform desperately. There was too much expectation from me and it bogged me down. It limited my approach as I was thinking a lot and making things complicated. So I got frustrated,” he said.

“At the start of IPL 10, I worked with (Daredevils coach) Rahul Dravid and things started to fall in place. He told me to play with freedom and forget about the results. So instead of thinking about scoring big, I kept a check on my expectations and focused on contributing in every way. I started expressing more and took risks and it all paid off,” Samson added.

Willing to let go of the gloves

On the back of a great IPL season with the bat, Samson now believes that in order to cement his place in the national team, he needs to perform consistently at the domestic level. Sanju featured in just one T20I for India against Zimbabwe in 2015.

“I have realized that doing well in IPL doesn’t guarantee a berth in the Indian side. You need to perform consistently in the domestic season and be in a good shape if you want to get selected in the Indian side. That’s what I am aiming for,” he said.

However, Samson is well aware of the fact that his position on the cricket field is unique. Being a wicket-keeper, he understands that there can be only one man with the gloves, and knows that other contenders are also gunning for the same spot. The likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik will be a ‘threat’ to Samson’s position, but the Kerala keeper-batsman is even willing to let go of his keeping duties. Furthermore, even if a keeper is selected ahead of him, he has no issue with it and will take it in his stride.

“I had focused on wicket-keeping a lot during my initial years. But nowadays, I have been asked to field as well. I never knew I would be fielding in IPL this season. So it is crucial that I prepare as a fielder in addition to keeping. I need to be prepared for all situations. I don’t believe in competition as you would feel bad when someone is selected ahead of you. So if Rishabh, who is a great friend of mine, is selected, I’ll wish him the best,” he concluded.