Resurrection

Extraordinary talent is no assurance that anyone would survive in the Indian cricket team. Malayali star Sanju Samson was of a similar kind with extraordinary talent. Over the years, there had been many instances where the talented batsman was sidelined from the team despite giving it all. It led to a presumption of even a bias from the BCCI. Suddenly came a volley of chances on Sanju’s way, but the batsman was least prepared to battle the pressure, as his performances were far from sublime. If the performances in the last few months were any indication, Sanju was on his way out of the national team forever, but then Eden Gardens happened.

Eden Gardens witnessed a one-man show that led India to chase 196 runs in the match against West Indies, ensuring a semi-final berth in the Twenty20 World Cup, even leaving naysayers in awe.

The innings involved 97 off 50 balls, which included 12 fours and four sixes. Pressure was alike in any instance, high on Sanju’s shoulders, and wickets kept falling, giving advantage to the West Indies. The Kerala player knew it was his last chance of resurrection and thus had to not give away wickets cheaply. He chose to fight like a lone wolf, displaying glimpses of what Sachin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did in their prime. If not for Sanju, India’s World Cup run would have ended in gloom at the Gardens. Moreover, it would have also been curtains down on the Kerala player’s national team career.

Sanju’s dismal form in the five-match series defeat against New Zealand before the World Cup led the selectors to choose Ishan Kishan as the first wicketkeeper option over the Keralite. However, the Kerala batsman saw luck coming his way after he was asked to replace a fever-struck Abhishek. There were moments when even captain Suryakumar Yadav took a jibe at Sanju when journalists asked whether it was possible to play the Keralite in Tilak Verma’s position. The irony did justice as it was the same Suryakumar who was first in line to enter the field and bow to Sanju for helping the team reach the semis.

Over the years, Sanju saw it all: Criticism, denial and nearly an end to once touted career. It took 11 years for Sanju to give a performance that the world would remember forever. Sanju’s fans are elated over the performance, and cricket lovers around the world are talking about him restlessly. However, consistency is key for any player. More similar performances would help Sanju cement a place in the national squad. It would be a great addition to Team India in the future if Sanju could keep his form intact and give justice to his extraordinary talent.