India wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson revealed how his father Viswanathan’s bold decision to move the family from Delhi to Kerala became a defining moment in his cricketing journey.Ahead of India’s second T20I against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, Samson reflected on the crucial decision that changed his life after struggling to break into the highly competitive Delhi cricket circuit.The leading opener enjoyed a dream start earlier this year, breaking a three-year streak to help India lift the T20 World Cup at home and finishing as Player of the Tournament. However, his recent form has dipped, with figures of 5 and 0 during India’s loss to Ireland, followed by just one run in the first T20I which was abandoned by rain against England in Durham.Despite the thin patch, Samson hopes to regain his touch in the second T20I on Saturday.Recalling his early days in JioStar Superstars, Samson said he always dreamed of representing Delhi after watching the young cricketers wearing the Delhi team jersey.“Back in school, I used to see my friends wearing the DDCA jacket and talking about playing for the Delhi state team. This motivated me. I also wanted to represent Delhi. I went to trials, went to state camps a few times and got runs, but I couldn’t make it to the state team because the competition was too tough,” said Samson. He then recounted the moment that changed everything.“One day, after the trials, the team list was announced and my name was not there. We returned home without saying anything. As soon as we got home, my father told my mother, ‘We have to move to Kerala.’ We’re moving.’ My mother wanted us to stay until we finished class 10, but my father said, ‘No, we have to go now. Pack your bags. I am booking the tickets in three days,” added Samson. “We boarded a train, reached Kerala, and I started playing for the Kerala state team. That’s how my journey with Kerala cricket began,” he added.
India will face England in Manchester
India and England will look to end the deadlock when they meet in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester, after the opening match in Durham was washed out by rain. Even if it didn’t happen, India would have been confident of posting a commanding 189/7, powered by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer.
