Samson’s run chase: Gambhir’s spot in T20I history in sight.
Samson’s run chase: Gambhir’s spot in T20I history in sight. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

Summary

NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is on the verge of a personal milestone as he inches closer to surpassing his current IPL Head Coach, Gautam…

NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is on the verge of a personal milestone as he inches closer to surpassing his current IPL Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir, in the list of India’s all-time leading run-scorers in T20 Internationals (T20Is). Samson, who has scored 841 runs in T20Is so far, needs just 92 more runs to surpass Gambhir’s tally of 932 runs.

 

Gambhir, who retired from international cricket in 2018, played 37 T20Is for India between 2007 and 2012, amassing 932 runs at an average of 27.16, with a highest score of 52. Sanju, on the other hand, has played 39 T20Is since making his debut in 2015. Though his international T20 record has been modest so far, his potential is undeniable, as evidenced by his stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals.

 

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The race to surpass Gambhir comes at a critical juncture in Samson’s career. With stiff competition in the Indian T20I squad, this achievement could help him solidify his position as a consistent performer. However, beyond Gambhir, Samson has a long road ahead if he aims to climb further up the ladder of India’s T20I run-scorers.

 

Indian batsman Sanju Samson is closing in on surpassing Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s T20i runs tally.
Indian batsman Sanju Samson is closing in on surpassing Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s T20i runs tally. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

 

At the top of the list is Rohit Sharma, with an astounding 4,231 runs in 159 matches at an average of 32.05. Following him is Virat Kohli, who has scored 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an impressive average of 48.69. Suryakumar Yadav occupies the third spot with 2,582 runs in 80 matches, boasting an incredible strike rate of 167.55. KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan complete the top five, with 2,265 runs and 1,759 runs, respectively.

 

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Even players outside the top five boast impressive records. Hardik Pandya, one of India’s most dynamic all-rounders, has already scored 1,710 runs, while MS Dhoni, India’s legendary captain, has 1,617 runs to his name. Suresh Raina, another prominent figure, accumulated 1,605 runs during his T20I career.

 

Samson’s next opportunity to add to his tally could come in India’s upcoming T20I series, where he will look to convert his potential into significant runs. The 30-year-old’s ability to play aggressive cricket and anchor innings could make him a crucial asset for India’s T20I future. Surpassing Gambhir would not only mark a symbolic achievement but also underline Samson’s determination to cement his place in Indian cricket history.