India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson humorously likened his role in the team to legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on September 24. In a pre-match interview, the 30-year-old was questioned about his new position in the middle order after opening the batting in T20Is since mid-last year.
A native of Kerala, Samson drew a comparison with Mohanlal, the veteran actor known for portraying a wide range of roles throughout his illustrious career. When Sanjay Manjrekar asked about his preferred batting spot, Samson responded (via Sony Sports Network X handle):
“To be honest, recently our Lal Ettan, Mohanlal, the cinema actor from Kerala, got a very big award from the country. He is an actor and has been acting for the last 20, 30, 40 years. So I am also playing for my country now from the last 10 years. So I can’t say that I only can do a hero role. I need to be a villain, I need to be a Joker.”
He further continued:
“I need to play around. You can’t say that you have scored runs in opening and you are really good at the top three. So I feel like trying this also. Why can’t I be a good villain also so lets see how it goes. Sanju Mohanlal Samson (laughs).”
“I’ve Got Honest Feedback from My Captain and Coach”- Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson revealed that the team management has given him candid feedback on his middle-order batting in T20Is. With Shubman Gill returning after a year, the Kerala wicketkeeper had to give up his top-order position in India’s lineup. When questioned about his batting and wicketkeeping performances in the Asia Cup so far, he stated (via the source above):
“Really enjoying both the roles. It’s a bit different batting at No. 5 and coming to do a different role. I have received some really honest feedback from my captain and coach. The communication has to be very clear, and it has been clear right from the tournament. They told me it’s a bit of a different role for you, but you do have the game to go out there and make a contribution.”
“From my side, I am just looking to take a few balls and get my eye in and then put in a positive contribution. Make an impact and hit those few sixes, which I am used to doing, and some days it comes off and some days it doesn’t. That acceptance also really helps,” he added.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
