legend of sanju samsonHis career has often been one of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could have beens’. However, as the dust settles Indiais victorious 2026 t20 world cup campaign, that narrative has shifted towards a certain ‘eventually’. the loudest of celebrants Shashi TharoorThe Member of Parliament and long-time mentor of the Kerala wicketkeeper recently reflected on the prediction he made a decade ago.
Gautam Gambhir’s prediction catches attention, Shashi Tharoor remembers seeing 14-year-old Sanju Samson
Tharoor’s relationship with Samson goes back to when the cricketer was just a talented 14-year-old kid. Still, the talent was undeniable. Tharoor remembered that he had told Kishore that he was destined to become the next ms dhoni. It was a heavy burden to place on young shoulders, but it showed the sheer potential of Samson’s natural ability.
However, this was a conversation with the current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir Which provided the necessary perspective. As Tharoor recalled his initial prediction, Gambhir, known for his frank and individualistic approach, offered a correction that has now become famous. Gambhir stressed that Samson does not need to be the next man up; He was destined to become the first and only ‘Sanju Samson’.
“I guess I’ve been like his uncle in some ways, because I met him when he was 14 years old. I encouraged him a lot. I may not be the most qualified cricket fan to do this, but when he was 14 I told him he was going to be the next MS Dhoni. And when I remembered those words a few years later, my friend Gautam Gambhir said that he didn’t need to be the next guy, he was going to be the first and only Sanju Samson, and that’s how it happened.Tharoor told ANI.
This prediction reached its peak during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Coming into the team during the high-pressure knockout stage, Samson displayed a level of maturity that he had not previously seen on the international stage. With 321 runs in five matches, including three consecutive half-centuries, he was not just a participant; He was the engine room of the Indian batting lineup. Being named Player of the Tournament was not just an accolade, it was a confirmation of Gambhir’s belief that Samson’s identity was unique and unique.
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Samson’s new chapter: CSK connection and ODI aspirations
While the T20 glory is still fresh, the cricket world is already discussing Samson’s next move. Samson arrived on March 19, 2026 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) In the training camp, this will be the first time that he will share the IPL dressing room with Dhoni. The sight of the two wicketkeepers having a deep conversation sparked a stir on social media, symbolizing the passing of the torch moment, while Samson continues to forge his own path.
Tharoor, who has always been supportive of his ‘nephew’, believes this momentum should bring Samson back to the 50-over format. He pointed out the irony of Samson’s ODI hiatus given that he had a brilliant century in his last appearance in the format before being sidelined.
” This was a man who seemed consistently focused, calm and patient at the top of his game. He was not allowed to be troubled by anything. There was poetry going on, let me tell you, it was a joy to watch him bat. And from here I want to see him make a comeback in the ODI team also. After all, don’t forget that his last innings in ODI cricket was a century and then he was dropped. So let’s give him another chance,Tharoor spoke about Samson’s recent form, urging the selectors to show the same confidence in the ODI setup that paid off so much in the T20 World Cup.
As the IPL 2026 season gets underway, Samson is no longer chasing shadows or comparisons. Under Gambhir’s guidance at the national level and now with Dhoni in the yellow of CSK, the man from Kerala has finally arrived not as an heir apparent, but as a unique force in world cricket.
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