'My Son Isn't Safe': Sanju Samson's Father Breaks Down, Slams Kerala Cricket Association
Sanju Samson's father, Samson Vishwanath, has voiced serious concerns about his son's relationship with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA).
India's star wicketkeeper-batsman and captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Sanju Samson, has been left out of India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad but remains part of the ongping IND vs ENG T20I series against England.
Over the years, Samson, one of the most talented wicket-keeper batters in modern day cricket, has consistently pushed for a regular place in the Indian team, featuring in the 2024 T20 World Cup and performing steadily with the bat.
Year 2024 was particularly successful for Samson, as he became the first Indian to score three T20 centuries in a single calendar year. Despite his consistent performances, he continues to face challenges in securing a permanent spot in the national side.
In a heartfelt interview with Sports Tak, Sanju's father, Samson Vishwanath, voiced serious concerns about his son's relationship with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). Fighting back tears, he alleged that KCA is undermining Sanju's career.
"We have never done anything to provoke Kerala Cricket Association. We have not hurt anybody with our statements. But we have been facing trouble since the last 10 to 12 years. I don't know the reason. Sanju's big brother Saly Samson was great performer for Kerala too. He was picked for the one-day camp. But he did not get much chance," Sanju's father said on Sports Tak.
"I knew about six months ago that they are planning something against Sanju. KCA were plotting things in a way that he leaves Kerala. We can't fight with them. There are directors there, we are small people. You can't talk back to them, you can't challenge them. My child is not safe here. They will put the blame on Sanju for everything and people will believe them too. So, I really want that my son stops playing cricket for Kerala. If any state wants to give my son a chance, saying 'Sanju, come and play for us', I am willing to make that appeal.
"Sanju is only an individual, whereas the KCA is a big, powerful association. I am afraid they'll come up with conspiracy theories against my son. I don't know why they are after us. We didn't do anything wrong to them or anyone else for that matter. Sanju, in his life, has never enjoyed anything else apart from cricket. Except for cricket ground and practice, he has focused on nothing else. He has devoted 30 years of his life to cricket, but he is being isolated now. I have had enough; want to get him out of this association (KCA)."
He also expressed gratitude to Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir for recognizing Sanju's talent.
"I have talked to him (Sanju Samson). Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir gave a chance to my son and I am very grateful to them. They gave a chance to my son by witnessing his potential. There is no need to be disappointed. I'm telling you right now, the team that has been chosen in the Champions Trophy is no less," Sanju's father added.
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