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'The numbers don't tell the whole story': Sanju Samson reflects on 10 years in international cricket

'The numbers don't tell the whole story': Sanju Samson reflects on 10 years in international cricket

Time of India20-07-2025
Sanju Samson of India (Photo by Darren Stewart/)
Indian cricketer
Sanju Samson
marked a significant milestone in his career by completing 10 years in international cricket on July 19, 2025. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter commemorated the occasion with a social media post reflecting on his journey since his debut against Zimbabwe in 2015.
"Today marks 10 years of my international cricket. The numbers might not tell you the whole story. Absolutely grateful to this blessed journey, loving every bit of it #daretodream," Samson shared on social media.
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Samson's international cricket journey began on July 19, 2015, in a T20 match against Zimbabwe at Harare. In his debut match, he batted at number 7 position, scoring 19 runs off 24 balls in India's pursuit of Zimbabwe's target of 145/7, though India ultimately lost the match by 10 runs.
Throughout his career, Samson has maintained a presence in Indian cricket, particularly through his performances with
Rajasthan Royals
in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his position in the national team setup has not been consistent over the years.
The year 2024 proved to be a breakthrough period in Samson's international career. He was part of India's T20 World Cup winning squad and demonstrated his batting prowess with three remarkable centuries within a span of two months.
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His century-scoring streak began with a knock of 111 runs against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. He followed this with another century, scoring 107 runs against South Africa in Durban. The third century came in quick succession, as he remained unbeaten on 109 against South Africa in Johannesburg.
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These performances highlighted Samson's attacking cricket style and his ability to contribute significantly to Team India's success.
The three centuries in such a short timeframe represented his most successful phase in international cricket to date.
The decade-long journey has seen Samson evolve from a young, dynamic player to an experienced member of the Indian cricket team. His role as a wicketkeeper-batter has added value to his presence in the team, offering flexibility in team combinations.
Despite the statistical aspects of his career not fully reflecting his potential, Samson's positive approach towards his international career is evident in his anniversary message. His emphasis on the journey rather than the numbers demonstrates his perspective on his cricket career.
The journey from his debut in Harare to becoming part of a World Cup-winning team represents the evolution of Samson as an international cricketer, encompassing both challenges and achievements in his career spanning ten years.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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