Sanju Samson’s Father Criticizes Dhoni, Kohli, Rohit And Dravid For Hindering His Son’s Career

In an exclusive interview with a Malayalam news outlet, Samson Vishwanath did not mince words in describing what he perceives as a decade of missed opportunities for his son due to the actions of Indian cricket’s elite. He specifically pointed to former captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, as well as current coach Rahul Dravid, alleging that their decisions have hindered Sanju’s journey at the national level.

“There are 3-4 people who wasted 10 years of my son’s vital career… captains like Dhoni ji, Virat [Kohli] ji, Rohit [Sharma] ji, and coach [Rahul] Dravid ji,” Vishwanath reportedly said. “These four people destroyed 10 years of my son’s life, but the more they hurt him, the stronger Sanju came out of the crisis.” His statements have triggered heated discussions among fans, with many divided over whether external influences might indeed have limited the wicketkeeper-batsman’s national opportunities or if other factors might have been at play.

Sanju Samson’s Stellar IPL Career and Rising Reputation

Sanju Samson, one of the most promising wicketkeeper-batsmen in India, has steadily built an impressive career, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Samson has become one of the franchise’s star players and was retained ahead of the 2025 IPL auction, underscoring the team’s belief in his abilities. Despite his success in the IPL, however, many fans and observers feel that Samson has not been afforded the opportunities his performances have warranted on the international stage.

Samson’s IPL journey began on April 14, 2013, when he made his debut for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab). Just two games into his IPL career, Samson scored an impressive 63 runs, marking himself as a player to watch and becoming the youngest cricketer to score a half-century in the IPL. This early success led to him being awarded the Best Young Player of the tournament, and he has since remained a consistent and reliable batsman for the Royals.

The Numbers That Speak for Themselves

To date, Samson has played 167 IPL matches, amassing over 4,419 runs at an average of approximately 30.69. His aggressive and fearless batting style has made him one of the top run-scorers in the league. With his signature pull shots and audacious stroke play, Samson has delivered match-winning performances for Rajasthan Royals time and again, including multiple centuries and a strike rate that often hovers around 135, a testament to his explosive potential.

Despite these impressive statistics and consistent performances, Samson’s limited appearances in India’s playing XI have frustrated fans and his family alike. His father’s recent comments bring into question whether subjective factors, rather than pure performance, may have influenced his national team selection.

Questioning the Influence of Cricketing Icons on Team Selections

Vishwanath’s claims raise larger questions about the dynamics within Indian cricket. In recent years, several players have hinted at biases and “favoritism” in selection policies, although few cases have drawn as much attention as Sanju Samson’s. Vishwanath’s assertion that Dhoni, Kohli, Rohit, and Dravid may have played roles in limiting Samson’s chances challenges the typically celebrated images of these cricketing icons.

Team selections often consider multiple factors, including form, fitness, strategic fit, and even a player’s potential role in the team culture. The comments from Samson’s father may reignite discussions around transparency and merit in team selection, while also calling for a more structured pathway for players performing well in domestic and league cricket to break into the national squad.

Sanju Samson’s Resilience Amidst Setbacks

Sanju Samson’s journey to success has been far from easy. In the face of limited opportunities at the national level, Samson has continued to work on his game, demonstrating resilience that has won him a loyal fan base. His father’s comments highlight Samson’s strength in adversity, underscoring that the more challenges he faced, the stronger he emerged.

Known for his calm demeanor on the field, Samson has rarely publicly addressed the frustrations of limited national opportunities. Instead, he has focused on the IPL, constantly working to improve his game and captaining Rajasthan Royals with dignity. As a leader, he has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talents within the team, setting an example with his consistent and passionate performances.

A Look Toward the IPL Auction and Future Opportunities

With the IPL auction on the horizon, Samson’s future seems promising, at least within the IPL ecosystem. Rajasthan Royals’ decision to retain him highlights his value as a player and leader. However, it remains to be seen if this season could also lead to more recognition at the national level. The upcoming auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, will likely be closely watched by fans and cricket analysts, as Samson aims to once again demonstrate his value.

With his impressive record, Samson will be an essential player for the Royals as they aim to contend for the title. His growing reputation in the IPL may also increase calls for his inclusion in India’s national team, especially as younger players begin to retire and opportunities arise.

Balancing Talent and Team Dynamics in the Indian Cricket Ecosystem

Ultimately, Samson Vishwanath’s comments bring to light the fine balance between talent and team dynamics that drives selections in Indian cricket. While many agree that players should be chosen based on performance, team management often makes nuanced decisions that may not always be evident to outsiders. Samson’s case, however, has gained attention due to the apparent disparity between his domestic success and his limited international appearances.

As the Indian cricket ecosystem evolves, discussions about transparency and fair play in selections are likely to continue. Samson’s journey embodies the challenges many players face, balancing hope, frustration, and the drive to perform. As fans rally around him and the IPL gears up for another season, it remains to be seen whether Samson’s perseverance will eventually lead to a long and successful career on the international stage.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/