During India's recent match against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson showcased his linguistic flair by communicating in Bengali, much to the amusement of commentators and fans alike. The moment unfolded as Riyan Parag was bowling in the 11th over, where his performance was struggling. Captain Suryakumar Yadav had entrusted Parag with the ball, but the young bowler faced challenges, including an erratic start and a notable No Ball. Recognizing that Parag needed encouragement to regain his composure, Sanju stepped in to provide the motivational boost he required.
As Parag bowled, Sanju's voice was picked up by the stump mic, where he was heard encouraging Riyan by saying "Khub Bhalo," which translates to "Very Good" in Bengali. He repeated the phrase, reinforcing his support for the young player. The presence of this phrase not only lightened the mood but also served to uplift Parag during a crucial moment in the match.
Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating on the game, couldn't help but comment on Sanju's surprising linguistic ability. He mentioned, "Murali Kartik was saying earlier that Sanju Samson can speak Tamil quite nicely, and now you can see he can speak Bangla too." This statement highlighted the versatility of Sanju as a cricketer and as a person.
Sanju's use of Bengali served multiple purposes. Although Riyan Parag hails from Assam, there are notable similarities between Assamese and Bengali, allowing Parag to understand Sanju's encouraging words. Additionally, the Bangladeshi batters on the field would also comprehend his comments, making it a clever psychological tactic by Sanju from behind the stumps. This demonstrates not only his strategic thinking but also his awareness of the dynamics of the game.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Sanju is Parag’s captain in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals. Given their time together in the franchise, it is likely that Sanju has picked up some Bengali to communicate better with his teammates. This ability to connect with players in their native languages fosters team cohesion and morale, especially during high-pressure situations in matches.
Despite being a native Malayalam speaker, Sanju has shown a fervent love for languages. He is fluent in Tamil and has a keen interest in Tamil music. His ability to speak a bit of Bengali was on full display during the match, highlighting his dedication to embracing different cultures and languages. This multilingual ability not only adds a unique dimension to his personality but also reflects the rich diversity present in Indian cricket.
Overall, Sanju Samson’s encouragement to Riyan Parag in Bengali was a heartwarming moment that underscored the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie in cricket. It also served as a reminder of the game's cultural connections, where players from diverse backgrounds come together to support one another on the field.
