Initial Disappointment and Rohit Sharma’s Words
Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper-batter, has spoken about his initial disappointment after being left out of India’s playing XI during the later stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Following a challenging five-match T20I series against New Zealand leading into the tournament, Samson found himself out of the team. Despite this setback, Rohit Sharma, then captain, offered words of encouragement, assuring him that opportunities would arise in the long tournament.
Sharma reportedly told Samson, “Don’t be disheartened, brother. It is a long tournament. You’ll get your chance. The opportunity can come anytime.” However, Samson admitted that he was too disheartened at the time to fully accept Sharma’s optimistic outlook. He described feeling visibly upset, stating, “You could see it on my face; I was a bit off that day.” The disappointment lingered, making it difficult for him to move past the situation immediately.
Path to Rediscovery and Redemption
The Kerala batter explained that the period of being dropped allowed for self-reflection. He questioned his purpose in cricket and began working on his mental approach. This phase of introspection helped him reconnect with his motivations as a cricketer. He noted that being at the bottom meant the only direction was up, prompting him to rediscover his passion for the sport during the ongoing World Cup.
Samson’s journey took a significant turn, culminating in a strong performance against the West Indies in a crucial Super 6 match. He scored 96 not out in what was described as a virtual quarterfinal for India. This innings was a pivotal moment in his return to form. He described feeling that everything aligned during that game, similar to other high-scoring matches he had played in the IPL and for India.
He also acknowledged the competitive environment, noting that Ishan Kishan had moved ahead in the pecking order after strong performances. Samson reflected on his own scores of 24, 6, 6, 10, and 0 in five matches, contrasting them with Kishan’s immediate impact, including a score of 70-odd and a century in a subsequent series. This made it clear to him that an in-form batter would be preferred.
Tournament Success and Impact
Samson’s renewed focus and performance led to a remarkable turnaround. He ended the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as the Player of the Tournament, playing a significant role in Team India’s victory on home soil. He finished as India’s highest run-scorer and the third-highest overall, accumulating 321 runs in just five matches.
His impressive statistics included an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. Additionally, he set a tournament record by hitting 24 sixes, the most by any batter in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. His scores of 96 not out, 89, and 89 in the final three matches, including the semifinal and final, were crucial to India’s campaign.
The wicketkeeper-batter was traded to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals for Rs 18 crore ahead of IPL 2026. He emphasized that the game itself taught him what was needed, especially when wickets fell at the other end during his innings against the West Indies.
He also reflected on advice from his wife about the importance of happiness and mental well-being over excessive practice, a lesson he learned from the New Zealand series. This holistic approach contributed to his eventual success in the World Cup, where he scored 96 not out against the West Indies.
The Kerala batter’s journey through the T20 World Cup 2026 illustrates a period of personal and professional growth, culminating in a significant achievement for both him and Team India.
Read Also
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter