India wicketkeeper-batsman Saint Samson revealed how his father Viswanathan’s bold decision to move the family from Delhi to Kerala became the defining moment in his cricketing journey.Ahead of India’s second T20I against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, Samson reflected on the pivotal choice that changed the course of his career after struggling to break into Delhi’s highly competitive domestic cricket set-up.The classy opener enjoyed a dream run earlier this year, smashing three consecutive half-centuries to help India lift the T20 World Cup on home soil and finish as the Player of the Tournament. However, his recent form has dipped, with scores of 5 and 0 during India’s series defeat to Ireland, followed by a single run in the rain-abandoned first T20I against England in Durham.Despite the thin patch, Samson will be hoping to regain his touch in the second T20I on Saturday.Recalling his early cricketing days on the JioStar Superstars show, Samson said he had always dreamed of representing Delhi after seeing the young cricketers wearing the jacket of the Delhi state team.“Back in school, I saw my friends wearing the DDCA jacket and talking about playing for the Delhi state team. This motivated me. I wanted to represent Delhi as well. I attended trials, made it to the state courts a couple of times and scored runs, but I never managed to get into the state team because the competition was extremely tough,” said Samson. He then recounted the moment that changed everything.“One day, after the trials, the team list was announced and my name was not there. We returned home without saying a word. As soon as we reached home, my father told my mother, “We are going to move to Kerala. We’re moving.’ My mother wanted us to stay until we finished Class 10, but my father said, “No, we have to go now.” Pack your bags. I booked the tickets in three days,” Samson added. “We boarded the train, reached Kerala, and I started playing for the Kerala state team. That’s how my journey with Kerala cricket began,” he added.
India take on England in Manchester
India and England will look to break the deadlock when they meet in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester, after the series opener in Durham was washed out by rain. Despite no result, India had taken confidence from posting a competitive 189/7, fueled by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer.
