‘I have had so many failures in my life’: Samson opens up after his recent success in South Africa

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson delivered a spectacular performance in the fourth T20I against South Africa, smashing an unbeaten 109 off just 56 balls. His knock, which included six fours and nine sixes, came at an impressive strike rate of 194.64 and played a key role in India’s dominant batting display.

Speaking during the innings break, Samson shared his thoughts on his remarkable century and reflected on the challenges he has faced in his career. “I’ve had so many failures in my life. After scoring two centuries, I got two ducks, but I kept believing in myself and worked hard. Today’s knock means a lot to me,” said Samson. He also praised his teammates Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma for their support during the innings, noting how their partnerships helped him build momentum.

The 29-year-old Samson accepts the fact he cannot walk away from the expectations and pressure as an Indian cricketer. “I think mentally you go through a lot as an Indian cricketer, especially in this format (T20). But I have learned to cope with the pressure and the failures. I think a lot of credit has to go to the dressing room, the leadership group, and the captain and the coach have been backing me,” he added.

Samson said head coach Gautam Gambhir had conveyed well in advance the decision to hand him the opener's role during the Bangladesh series. “I think three weeks before this series, I was very fortunate to get a message from the leadership group, Gautam Bhai, Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Nair (assistant coach) that I will be opening. I think that gave me proper preparation.

However, in the decider match at Johannesburg India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first after winning the toss, and the decision proved to be a masterstroke. Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings with a strong 73-run partnership. Abhishek contributed a quick 36 runs, hitting two fours and four sixes before being dismissed by Lutho Sipamla in the sixth over.

After Abhishek’s dismissal, Tilak Varma joined Samson at the crease, and the duo put on a show. They launched a relentless attack on the South African bowlers, keeping the scoreboard ticking with boundaries and sixes. Samson reached his century in just 51 balls, and Tilak followed with his second T20I century in the very next over.