Sanju Samson’s career has not quite panned out on the expected lines. When he took the Indian Premier League by storm as a teenager in 2013, many had earmarked him for great success. However, the Kerala batsman is yet to deliver on the huge expectations.
Last year was anything but memorable for him. He had struggled in the domestic competitions throughout the season, failing to make even a single significant contribution after the hundred in the Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu and Kashmir. The string of poor performances had compelled the team management to drop him. Misconduct and indiscipline from his part only made the season tough for him but fortunately, he was let off with a warning by the Kerala Cricket Association.
(READ: Rishabh Pant And Sanju Samson Are Special, Says Sourav Ganguly.)
Speaking about the indifferent last season, Samson said that he struggled to get going due to playing in neutral venues which took a toll on his body.
“I had struggled with my fitness last season. Since the matches were being played in neutral venues, we had to travel a lot and it would take a toll on my body. And I would end up not making the right decisions in pressure situations. So this year, I’ve already started working on my fitness,” Samson told The Times of India.
Samson further admitted that he was no under illusion of the expectations from him. However, he said that burden of expectations got the better of him and it was reflected in his poor performances with the bat. But things began to fall in line when he consulted Rahul Dravid during the Indian Premier League. And Dravid’s tips did wonders for the 22–year old as he finished the season as Delhi Daredevils’ top-scorer.
He scored 386 runs in 14 games with the help of a century and a couple of fifties.
“Last year, I wanted to perform desperately. There was too much expectation from me and it bogged me down. It limited my approach as I was thinking a lot and making things complicated. So I got frustrated. At the start of IPL 10, I worked with (Daredevils coach) Rahul Dravid and things started to fall in place. He told me to play with freedom and forget about the results. So instead of thinking about scoring big, I kept a check on my expectations and focused on contributing in every way. I started expressing more and took risks and it all paid off,” he said.
But despite being one of the outstanding performers in the IPL, Samson could not get a call from the Indian team. And he has now realised that performing in the domestic circuit is the key to getting a call from the selectors.
“I have realised that doing well in IPL doesn’t guarantee a berth in the Indian side. You need to perform consistently in the domestic season and be in a good shape if you want to get selected in the Indian side. That’s what I am aiming for,” he added.
He also said that he is working on his fielding. With Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in the mix of things and MS Dhoni still going strong, Samson is getting ready for all kinds of scenarios.
“I had focused on wicket-keeping a lot during my initial years. But nowadays, I have been asked to field as well. I never knew I would be fielding in IPL this season. So it is crucial that I prepare as a fielder in addition to keeping. I need to be prepared for all situations,” he said.