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Sanju Samson is on the cusp of surpassing MS Dhoni in a significant T20I milestone during the upcoming India vs. England series. The series, starting Wednesday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, marks India’s first bilateral clash featuring five T20Is and three ODIs before they head to Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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Samson Eyes MS Dhoni’s Record
Currently, Samson is just seven sixes shy of overtaking MS Dhoni’s tally of 52 sixes in T20Is. The Kerala cricketer has hit 46 sixes so far in his T20I career. If Samson manages this feat, he will become the 10th Indian batter to smash 50 or more sixes in T20 internationals.
This will also be Samson’s first T20I against England, a fitting stage to cement his place in Indian cricket’s history books.
Sanju Samson’s Role in the T20I Setup
Since Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is last year, Sanju Samson has emerged as one of India’s first-choice openers in the shortest format. He further solidified his position with two spectacular centuries against South Africa in his last T20I series.
A Rocky Domestic Season
After a stellar series against South Africa, Samson represented Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, playing five matches. However, he missed the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a decision that reportedly irked the BCCI, as it has mandated domestic participation for all players not on national duty.
Samson’s absence from the domestic 50-over competition led to rumors of friction with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA).
Viswanath Samson Criticizes KCA
Sanju Samson’s father, Viswanath Samson, recently spoke out against the KCA, claiming the association harbors biases against his son.
“There are people within KCA who have something against my child. We’ve never spoken out against the association before, but this time, it’s become too much. Sanju isn’t the only one who didn’t attend the camp, yet other players in the same situation were allowed to play,” Viswanath told Mathrubhumi English.
What’s Next?
As Sanju Samson prepares for the high-stakes series against England, all eyes will be on his performance and whether he can surpass MS Dhoni’s record. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Samson’s contributions at the top could be pivotal for Team India’s success.
Will Samson etch his name among India’s T20I greats? The upcoming matches promise to deliver answers.
