Karthik unpacks burden of expectations on Sanju Samson's Virat Kohli, Dhoni-like fan following: ‘Always been an enigma’

Karthik called Sanju Samson one of Indian cricket’s most fascinating figures, saying his fan following rivals that of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni.

Updated on: Mar 3, 2026, 22:26:20 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Sanju Samson for commanding unwavering support from fans despite a career marked by fluctuations. In a high-pressure, must-win clash against the West Indies, Samson rose to the occasion at Eden Gardens, delivering an innings that blended composure with authority. Opening the batting, he anchored the pursuit of a stiff 196-run target with remarkable control, finishing unbeaten on 97 off just 50 balls. His knock not only silenced critics but also powered India into the semi-finals, underlining his ability to respond when the stakes are highest.

Sanju Samson scored a career-defining 97-run knock against West Indies. (PTI)

Karthik called Samson one of Indian cricket’s most fascinating figures, saying his fan following rivals that of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. He noted that despite enduring intense expectations and repeated setbacks, Samson’s poise and resilience continue to endear him to supporters.

"Sanju Samson is a fantastic story, I feel. Yes, he played that wonderful innings. He is someone who has always been an enigma. People have loved him. He is, for me, the most loved cricketer. Virat, Rohit, Dhoni, he seems to have that kind of fan following. There is something about how he carries himself. What I've liked in that story is that he has seen plenty of ups and downs. The weight and burden of expectations has not been easy on him, even though he is so talented. That day, that ground, after the three months he had, they almost had to thrust him in, and he did what he did in Calcutta," he said on Sky Sports Cricket.

Also Read - Haunted by pace, fuelled by belief: Why Sanju Samson’s ultimate test awaits against England

'Trying to solve a problem by moving someone who is doing well'

The wicketkeeper-batter was not part of India’s initial Playing XI plans at the start of the T20 World Cup. However, after the left-heavy top order failed to deliver, the team management brought Samson into the mix during the clash against Zimbabwe.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain weighed in on India’s selection dilemma, pointing out the ripple effect a single change can have on a settled batting order while discussing the debate around change in India's combination.

"I would have brought him (Samson) in. But then Ishan Kishan, who was the in-form batter, has to move down to number three, so you are trying to solve a problem by moving someone else who is doing well," he stated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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