story Sanju Samson‘s career has often been one of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could have beens’. But as the dust settles Indiais the triumph of 2026 T20 World Cup During the campaign, this narrative shifted towards a definitive “final”. He is among the loudest Shashi TharoorMember of Parliament and recently been a long-time mentor to the Kerala wicketkeeper, reflecting a prophecy made more than a decade ago.
Shashi Tharoor remembers seeing 14-year-old Sanju Samson when Gautam Gambhir’s prophecy caught the eye
Tharoor’s relationship with Samson dates back to when the cricketer was a 14-year-old prodigy. Even then, the talent was undeniable. Tharoor recalled telling the teenager that he would be next MS Dhoni. It was a heavy mantle to place on young shoulders, but it spoke to the sheer caliber of Samson’s natural ability.
However, there was a conversation with the current Indian coach Gautam Gambhir provided the necessary perspective. As Tharoor recalled his first prediction, Gambhir, known for his blunt and personal approach, suggested a correction that has now become legendary. Gambhir insisted that Samson need not be the next; he would be the first and only ‘Sanju Samson’.
“I think I was kind of an uncle to him because I met him when I was 14. I have encouraged him a lot. I may not be the most qualified cricket fan to do this, but I told him when he was 14 that he was going to be the next MS Dhoni. And when I remembered those words years later, my friend Gautam Gambhir said that he doesn’t have to be the next one, he will be the first and only Sanju Samson, and so he was.Tharoor told ANI.
This prophecy peaked during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Coming into the side in the high-pressure knockout stages, Samson has shown a level of maturity that has previously eluded him on the international stage. With 321 runs in five matches, including three consecutive half-centuries, he was more than just a contributor; it was the engine room of an Indian strike squad. Being named Player of the Tournament was not just an accolade, it was an affirmation of Gambhir’s belief that Samson’s personality is unique and unique.
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Samson’s new chapter: CSK connection and ODI aspirations
While the T20 glory is still fresh, the cricketing world is already buzzing about Samson’s next move. On March 19, 2026, Samson arrived Chennai Super Kings (CSK) training camp, he will share the IPL dressing room with Dhoni for the first time. The sight of the two goalkeepers in deep conversation sent social media into a frenzy, symbolizing the passing of the torch moment, even as Samson continues to cut his way through.
Tharoor, a defender of his ‘nephew’, believes that this pace should bring Samson back to the 50-over format. He pointed out the irony of Samson’s ODI hiatus, noting that his last outing in the format mirrored the brilliant century that preceded his exclusion.
” This was someone who seemed relentlessly focused, calm and composed on top of his game. Nothing was allowed to disturb him. There was poetry in the movement, I say, and it was a joy to watch him bat. And from here I want to see him back into the ODI squad. After all, don’t forget that his last knock in ODI cricket was a century and he was dropped after that. So let’s give it another chance,“,” Tharoor added on Samson’s recent form and urged the selectors to show the same faith in the ODI set-up that has won such big rewards in the T20 World Cup.
As the IPL 2026 season begins, Samson is no longer chasing shadows or comparisons. Under Gambhir in the national colors and now alongside Dhoni in the yellow of CSK, the man from Kerala has finally arrived not as a successor but as a singular force in world cricket.
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