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'My Desire is to Play Test Cricket' - Sanju Samson Aims To Make Debut In Longest Format With Gambhir's Backing

Sanju Samson is eyeing Test cricket role for India [Source: @IamSanjuSamson/x.com]Sanju Samson is eyeing Test cricket role for India [Source: @IamSanjuSamson/x.com]

Sanju Samson, a familiar face in India’s white-ball squads since his debut in 2015, is now eager to make his mark in the traditional format of cricket. With the Team India leadership group encouraging him to focus on Ranji Trophy matches, Samson has expressed his desire to expand his horizons beyond limited-overs formats and is ready to tackle the challenges of Test cricket head-on.

Sanju Samson Opens Up On His Test Aspirations For India

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has showcased his brilliance in 64 first-class matches by amassing 3819 runs at an average of 38.96 with 11 centuries, recently reminded selectors of his red-ball potential with a century in the Duleep Trophy.

In a candid revelation to Sportstar, Samson shared the leadership group’s advice ahead of the Duleep Trophy.

“I believe I have the skillset to succeed in red-ball cricket and don’t want to restrict myself to just white-ball formats. My desire is to play Test cricket for India. Before the Duleep Trophy, the leadership group had told me that they were considering me for red ball cricket and asked me to take it seriously and play more Ranji Trophy matches." he stated.

With backing from the team’s leadership, Samson’s dream to don the whites could soon become reality.


Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Departures Fuel Opportunity

With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India finds itself on the lookout for players to cement roles in both the Test and T20I formats. Samson, who has so far been an IPL stalwart and white-ball prospect, sees this as the perfect chance to extend his footprint in the Indian setup.

Known for his aggressive batting style, Samson has had a stop-start journey with the national team, but he has consistently displayed his talent in first-class cricket.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir have thrown their weight behind the 29-year-old, hoping he will bring his distinctive style to both the red and white-ball formats.

Samson’s recent fireworks in the third T20I against Bangladesh, where he hammered a 40-ball century, displayed his ability to score big runs. His stellar knock against Bangladesh was proof of his hard-hitting abilities, as he smashed eight sixes and 11 fours to light up Hyderabad’s stands.

Sanju Samson’s Path Ahead

With encouragement from the top and an innate hunger to prove himself, Samson seems determined to showcase his red-ball skills and evolve into a well-rounded asset for India. 

As he embarks on this new journey with an increased focus on first-class matches, Samson stands on the cusp of fulfilling his Test aspirations.

For fans and selectors alike, the prospect of witnessing his adaptability in the longest format promises a thrilling new chapter for Indian cricket.

Samson's journey to the Indian Test side may seem like far-fetched prospect, but his drive and impressive performances are setting the stage for what could be his biggest leap yet.