‘You are not a newbie’: Gautam Gambhir gives strong message to Sanju Samson ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson has been in outstanding form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The wicketkeeper-batter has been rewarded with a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The Indian selectors picked Rishabh Pant and Samson as the two wicketkeepers in the 15-member squad led by Rohit Sharma. 

Meanwhile, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir wants the 29-year-old to win games for the Indian team and feels Samson has enough international experience to capitalise on the wonderful opportunity to showcase his talent on the big stage. 

“Now that you’ve gotten picked in the World Cup team, you have that opportunity – the kind that you need to make sure you start winning games for India if you get the chance. You have that experience of playing international cricket. You are not a newbie that you will wait any longer” Gambhir told SportsKeeda. 

“You have tasted international cricket and you’ve done well in the IPL, and now you have the chance to play the World Cup. So, hopefully, Sanju shows the world what he is capable of at this stage. International cricket, that too in a stage like the World Cup, when you flourish, the whole world watches and takes note.” 

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‘Captaincy reflects on his batting’

Gambhir further talked about how captaincy has affected Sanju’s batting and hopes that he will carry the same form in the T20 World Cup too. 

"Mentally, you always grow, and skill-wise as well. Otherwise, if you get stagnant, you won't be able to survive for too long. The good thing is be it fitness, power-hitting, keeping, or captaincy… he has not put a foot wrong. Through captaincy, you start accessing, judging better, reading better. That is when you also become a better batter. I hope Samson's captaincy reflects on his batting at the T20 World Cup if he gets a chance,” he added. 

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This is the first instance when Samson has crossed the 500-run mark in an IPL season. He is the highest run-scorer among the wicketkeepers in the IPL 2024. Sanju has scored 504 runs in 13 matches and has a strike rate of 156.52. Under his leadership, Royals have successfully qualified for the playoff.

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