Sanju Samson Reveals How Delhi Rejection Led to Kerala Cricket Journey

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed how a bold and immediate decision by his father, Viswanath Samson, changed the direction of his cricket career after repeated disappointment in Delhi. Despite attending trials, participating in state camps and scoring runs, Samson was unable to break into the Delhi state team. The setback eventually prompted his father, a former Delhi Police officer, to move the entire family to Kerala, a decision that ultimately opened the door to Samson’s professional cricket journey.

Recalling his early years, Samson said he was inspired by school friends who wore Delhi and District Cricket Association jackets and spoke proudly about representing the Delhi state team. Their experiences motivated him to pursue the same dream, and he began attending trials and state camps. Samson said he performed well and reached the camp stage two or three times but could not secure a place in the final team because of the intense competition for selection.

The turning point came after one particular trial when the final team list was announced and Samson’s name was missing. He recalled returning home with his family in complete silence after the disappointment. Soon after reaching home, his father told his mother that the family would have to leave Delhi and shift to Kerala. The decision was taken almost immediately, despite the uncertainty involved in moving the entire household to another state.

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Samson said his mother initially suggested waiting until the children completed Class 10 because they were only studying in Class 6 at the time. His father, however, refused to delay the move and insisted that the family had to leave immediately. He reportedly told them to pack their belongings and said he would book train tickets within three days. The family soon boarded a train for Kerala, beginning a new chapter that would transform Samson’s cricketing future.

After arriving in Kerala, Samson began playing cricket in the state system and gradually established himself as one of the country’s most promising young batters. He went on to make his Ranji Trophy debut just weeks before turning 17 and later earned recognition through his performances in domestic and white-ball cricket. His consistent run-scoring eventually helped him reach the Indian T20 team and become an important figure in the national setup.

Looking back, Samson described the disappointment in Delhi as a defining moment rather than the end of his ambitions. His father’s willingness to make a sudden and difficult decision gave him a new opportunity to pursue professional cricket in Kerala. The journey from being left out of a Delhi team list to representing India highlights how one family decision became the foundation of Samson’s rise through domestic cricket to the international stage.

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