Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson invoked the legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal’s versatility while responding to tough selection questions before India’s crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday September 24.
Sanju Samson cites Mohanlal analogy to handle difficult Asia Cup 2025 question
In a candid on-air interaction with Sanjay Manjrekar, Samson—recently repositioned from opening to the middle order amid a packed Indian line-up—cited Mohanlal’s celebrated ability to play diverse roles as inspiration for embracing uncertainty and change in Indian cricket’s highly competitive ecosystem.
“Our Lalettan, Mohanlal, recently got a very big award. He’s been a hero, villain, even a joker on screen for over 30 years,” Samson quipped when pressed about losing his preferred opening slot.
“I can’t just do the hero role. As a cricketer, I have to be ready for everything. If I was good as an opener, why can’t I try as a villain too?” he added, referring to the ongoing necessity for Indian batters to be flexible and adjust to team requirements.
Samson’s reference struck a chord online, coinciding with Mohanlal recently receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema, further amplifying the ‘Sanju Mohanlal Samson’ trend on social media. The moment highlighted how leading sports personalities often identify parallels between their journeys and those of iconic artists, reinforcing the importance of reinvention in the face of changing roles.
Here’s the video:
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Team reshuffle tests Samson’s flexibility
The build-up to India’s Super 4 encounter had centered around the team management’s decision to reinstate Shubman Gill—freshly appointed as India’s Test captain—back into the T20I opening role, pairing him with Abhishek Sharma and pushing Samson, despite impressive numbers at the top, into the volatile middle order. Since January 2024, Samson had notched up 487 runs from 18 T20I matches as an opener, smashing three centuries at an average of 32.46 and a strike rate of 170, becoming one of India’s most prolific top-order players. Yet, with a crowded squad featuring proven finishers like Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh, India opted for a tactical reshuffle, backing Samson to adapt.
While supporters feared that Samson’s demotion might threaten his spot, coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized their belief in his all-round batting acumen, providing him a continued middle-order role. However, form has proved elusive: Samson managed a measured half-century against UAE at No. 3 but faltered in the high-stakes Pakistan encounter, managing just 13 off 17 deliveries. The latest Bangladesh tie saw another shuffle—Samson, listed at No. 8, did not get to bat, as India cruised to a 41-run win on the back of Abhishek’s explosive 75 and strong bowling from Kuldeep Yadav. India’s seamless adjustment and secured place in the final validate the management’s focus on collective adaptability—even if it comes at the expense of individual comfort zones. For Samson, the Mohanlal analogy isn’t merely a witty soundbite but a lived approach: “Communication from the leadership has been very clear. They trust me with the new role and I just want to contribute in any way I can,” Samson reflected after the match.
