The narrative of Sanju Samson’s career has often been one of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could have beens.’ However, as the dust settles on India’s triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, that narrative has shifted toward a definitive ‘finally.’ Among those celebrating loudest is Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and a long-time mentor figure to the Kerala wicketkeeper, who recently reflected on a prophecy made over a decade ago.
Shashi Tharoor recalls spotting 14-year-old Sanju Samson as Gautam Gambhir’s prophecy gains attention
Tharoor’s connection with Samson dates back to when the cricketer was just a 14-year-old prodigy. Even then, the talent was undeniable. Tharoor recalled telling the teenager that he was destined to be the next MS Dhoni. It was a heavy mantle to place on young shoulders, but it spoke to the sheer calibre of Samson’s natural ability.
However, it was a conversation with current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir that provided the necessary perspective. As Tharoor reminisced about his early prediction, Gambhir known for his blunt and individualistic approach offered a correction that has now become legendary. Gambhir insisted that Samson didn’t need to be the next anyone; he was destined to be the first and only ‘Sanju Samson’.
“I’ve been a sort of uncle to him, I think, in some ways, because I met him when he was 14. I gave him a lot of encouragement. I may not be the most qualified cricket fan to do so, but I told him when he was 14 that he was going to be the next MS Dhoni. And when I recall those words some years later, my friend Gautam Gambir said he doesn’t have to be the next anybody, he’s going to be the first one and only Sanju Samson, and that’s how it has turned out to be,” Tharoor stated to ANI.
This prophecy reached its zenith during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Coming into the side during the high-pressure knockout stages, Samson displayed a level of maturity that had previously eluded him on the international stage. With 321 runs across five matches, including three consecutive half-centuries, he wasn’t just a participant; he was the engine room of the Indian batting lineup. Being named Player of the Tournament wasn’t just an accolade, it was the validation of Gambhir’s belief that Samson’s identity was unique and peerless.
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Samson’s new chapter: The 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 at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) training camp, marking the first time he will share an IPL dressing room with Dhoni. The sight of the two wicketkeepers in deep conversation sent social media into a frenzy, symbolizing a passing of the torch moment, even as Samson continues to carve his own path.
Tharoor, ever the advocate for his ‘nephew,’ believes this momentum should carry Samson back into the 50-over format. He pointed out the irony of Samson’s ODI hiatus, noting that his last appearance in the format featured a brilliant century before he was sidelined.
” This was somebody who seemed relentlessly focused, calm and composed, on top of his game. Nothing was allowed to disturb him. There was poetry in motion, I tell you, it was a joy watching him bat. And from here I want to see him getting back into the ODI squad as well. After all, don’t forget that his last innings in ODI cricket was a century, and they dropped him after that. So, let’s give him a chance again,,” Tharoor added regarding Samson’s recent form, urging selectors to show the same faith in the ODI setup that reaped such massive rewards in the T20 World Cup.
As the IPL 2026 season kicks off, Samson is no longer chasing shadows or comparisons. Under the guidance of Gambhir in the national colours 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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