MS Dhoni’s success gives extra motivation: Sanju Samson on emerging from place with ‘no cricketing history’

Ranchi is no Mumbai or Delhi when it comes to cricketing history. Seeing MS Dhoni come from a city not known for its cricket and dominate at the highest level is certainly a big motivation for people from such cities who are aspiring to achieve success at the international level, according to young wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson.

Sanju Samson, who hails from Kerala, a football-loving state, has managed to make heads turn across the globe with his natural ability.

25-year-old Samson, who is in the mix for the India wicketkeeper-role in limited-overs, has said MS Dhoni proved to be an inspiration right from his early days in international cricket. Samson’s comments come after Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15.

“Yes, Dhoni bhai has inspired all of us from the day he came to play for India in the first match against Bangladesh and then scored that famous century against Pakistan,” Samson told Gulf News.

” His success provides extra motivation for me as he came from Ranchi to become one of the all time greats of the game while I hail from Kerala – both places no cricketing history,” he said.”

Dhoni will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but his absence from the international scene puts the spotlight on the likes of Samson and Rishabh Pant who are battling for spots in the senior national team.

I am heading in the right direction: Samson

Samson played for India in January 2020, 5 years after he made his international debut. The Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batsman failed to impress in the opportunities he got during the home series against Sri Lanka and in the tour of New Zealand. With Rishabh Pant also flattering to deceive, KL Rahul sealed the wicketkeeper’s role in T20Is.

However, Samson believes he is headed in the right direction and doesn’t look to replace anyone in the senior national team.

”No, I don’t think of replacing anybody, all of us are trying to win matches for the country at the end of the day. I am just focusing on ultimately playing for my country,” Samson said.

“I have had a very good season in 2019 in domestic, India A and then for India. I have worked hard for the last 8-9 years in terms of my training, game and diet.

“At this point, I have a good 10 more years of cricket left in me and I will give it my best shot. I am headed in the right direction but have miles to go.”