Days after India retained the T20 World Cup title in 2026, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor revisited an early interaction with Sanju Samson, recalling that he once projected the young wicketkeeper as a future successor to MS Dhoni. Notably Samson’s performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup was one of the highlights. Despite not getting regular opportunities, his innings at the clutch moment not only won India crucial matches, but also earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Speaking to PTI, Tharoor said he met Samson at the age of 14, describing him as a promising cricketer already proficient in both batting and wicketkeeping. He admitted that his comparison to Dhoni, made at the time, was “somewhat patronising.” Tharoor said, "I feel tremendous pride. I first met him (Samson) when he was 14, a young club cricketer with a big smile and immense talent, already excelling in both wicketkeeping and batting. I had told him, somewhat patronisingly, that he would be the next Dhoni." The statement gains relevance following Samson’s recent output, where he accumulated 321 runs in the tournament and played a decisive role in India’s campaign. Early comparisons corrected, identity now independent Tharoor also referred to Gautam Gambhir, who had disagreed with the Dhoni comparison. Gambhir, who was not part of the team management then, had stated that Samson did not need to follow an existing template and should establish his own identity. That position, as recalled by Tharoor, now aligns with Samson’s current standing. Gambhir had earlier described Samson as the “best wicketkeeper-batsman in India” in 2020, maintaining consistent backing through phases where the player’s selection remained uncertain. Tharoor recalled, "Years later, Gautam Gambhir corrected me, saying he does not need to be the next Dhoni; he will be the one and only Sanju Samson — and that is exactly what he has become." Read also: Sanju Samson is irreplaceable: Riyan Parag opens after rowing with Rajasthan Royals captaincy Tournament performance alters trajectory, numbers define impact India’s campaign included a setback against South Africa in the Super 8 stage before Samson’s inclusion against West Indies. His initial contribution of 25 off 15 deliveries provided a measured start, followed by three consecutive scores above 80, which shifted the team’s momentum. He finished with 321 runs in the tournament, contributing to India’s title-winning run, which concluded with a victory over New Zealand in the final. The result marked India’s second consecutive T20 World Cup title. Tharoor described Samson as “quiet, modest, unpretentious,” while also noting his leadership credentials with Rajasthan Royals. He further stated that Samson brought stability at the top of the order during the tournament. Whether Samson will become a Dhoni or a successor of the World Cup captain will be decided a bit later. Meanwhile, Samson has already checked in to the CSK Camp for the 2026 IPL. The franchise is believed to use him as apotential middle order batter who can keep wickets and have leadership abilities.