Test debut loading for Sanju Samson...?

Sanju Samson has said that the team management has suggested that he play more Ranji Trophy games, as they are considering him for the red ball format of the game. Samson played his first international game in 2015 but hasn’t been a part of the Test team since he smashed a fabulous century in the final T20I match versus Bangladesh. 

In 64 first-class games, the right-handed batter has accumulated 3819 at an average of 38.96, bagging 11 centuries. He has also smashed a ton in the Duleep Trophy 2024.

Samson has been a compatible choice for the Rajasthan franchise in the Indian T20 League but has yet to seal his spot on the Indian Senior Men’s Team. The 29-year-old has struggled to find a fixed place in the white-ball cricket format since his debut and has not yet padded up for the Test team.

In the game's shortest format, skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir are backing him. Samson’s dream of playing for Team India and donning the white jersey now depends on his performance in the Ranji Trophy matches. 

“I have the skills to succeed in red-ball cricket, but I don’t want to be a part of white-ball teams. I desire to represent India in Test cricket. The leadership group spoke to me before the Duleep Trophy and told me to prepare for Test cricket. They urged me to play more Ranji Trophy games,” Samson stated.

Samson had worked with the ex-Indian head coach, Rahul Dravid, before the T20I series against Bangladesh.