‘You’re not a newbie, start winning games for India’: Gambhir pushes Sanju Samson to utilise T20 WC chance

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged Sanju Samson to show the world his capability with his performances at the 2024 T20 World Cup. For his impressive run with the bat and as a leader this season for Rajasthan Royals, Sanju earned a place in the 15-man squad for the marquee tournament starting June 1. Although he is the second-choice keeper after Rishabh Pant, Sanju will get some games to prove his credentials in the T20 World Cup.

"Now thatyou'vegotten 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 said in a chat with SportsKeeda.

"You have tasted international cricket, andyou'vedone well in the IPL, and now youhave the chance toplay 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,”Gambhir continued.

RR captaincy to take Sanju forward

Leading Rajasthan Royals in the IPL has helped Sanjuget betterat decision and stroke-making, pushing him to become a mature player.

Speaking on the same lines, Gambhir said he never doubtedSanju’stalent; being aware of his abilities, Gautam saidSanju’sleadership (with RR) will help him deliver at the marquee event.

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"Just the quality of a player,”Gambhir said.

“Idon'tneed to see much. Five minutes are enough to figure out what kind of a player he is,"Gambhir said.

"Mentally, you always grow, and skill-wise as well. Otherwise, if you get stagnant, youwon'tbe able to survive for too long.

“The good thingisbe 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 hopeSamson'scaptaincy reflects on his batting at the T20 World Cup if he gets a chance,”he concluded.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan has struggled lately despite qualifying for playoffs this season.

Their fourth straight loss, the latest of which came against Punjab Kings in Guwahati the other night, has put them in a spot of bother, considering the knockouts are around the corner.

However, their last league match is against the table-toppers and Gambhir-mentored KKR side on Sunday (May 19) in Guwahati.