Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli: Sanju Samson reveals how this Indian duo transformed his career with phone calls

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson credited T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for playing a key role in his career. Sanju Samson said that Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir helped him overcome his failures and mental challenges during tough times.

Samson has been going through exceptional form, especially in T20 internationals. He is cementing his place as India's top-order batter during the shorter format. The right-handed batter scored his second T20I century during the first T20I match against South Africa in Durban on Friday, November 8.

They All Support You During Failures - Sanju Samson

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sanju Samson shared how the support from Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir, and VVS Laxman has helped him. Samson highlighted that they played a crucial role in helping him stay focused and not lose his way during challenging times.

“When you have a supporting captain like Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam bhai and VVS Laxman sir, they all support you during failures. The way they communicate with you in your failures is very important. Everyone knows that if we are going through a negative phase, then the player can get lost there,” Samson said.

Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson got the opportunity to represent Team India. He initially struggled with poor performances against Sri Lanka. However, the batter bounced back with impressive displays against Bangladesh and continued his form in South Africa.

Received A Lot Of Phone Calls - Sanju Samson

The 29-year-old revealed that he received calls from Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav during tough times. Samson said that he was advised to work on his skills, like improving his spin play. He said that these small gestures have played an important role in his comeback.

“So at that time, I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam bhai and Surya, telling me what to work on. Your spin is a little bit like that. You collect all the spinners in Kerala and practice on rough wickets there. You do this, you do that. So if your Indian team’s captain is calling you and telling you how to practise after a duck, then you have confidence that the captain is trusting you."

“He wants you to do well. So I think all those small, small things play a huge role, I think, coming back here,” said Samson.

I'm Very Grateful For The Trust Shown In Me - Sanju Samson

The Rajasthan Royals captain expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, adding that he has worked to repay that faith. He emphasized that this is just the beginning and that he remains focused on practicing hard and staying grateful for the opportunity to represent his country.

“I’m very grateful for the trust shown in me. I think I’ve been able to give it back to my team management. I feel that it’s just a start. I would like to just practise hard, train hard, just be very grateful walking out to play for my country, and just look to contribute and win games for my country every time I walk in,” he concluded.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's travel confirmed; playing 11 spot unconfirmed for Border-Gavaskar Trophy