(Image source from: Facebook)
Sanju Samson felt like his "hopes were crushed" after performing poorly in a T20I series against New Zealand just before the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, discussions over the last two months with Sachin Tendulkar gave him confidence that a positive change was on the horizon. "Honestly, I've received a lot of advice and support from experienced players," Samson expressed after earning the Player-of-the-Tournament title during India's successful title defense in the T20 World Cup. "Many former players have reached out and offered their help. Over the past few months - I hope it's okay to say this - I've been in regular contact with Sachin sir. While I was sidelined in Australia during the T20Is in October, I reflected on what kind of mindset I needed.
"I contacted sir and had extensive discussions with him. Just last night, he called to check in on how I was doing. Receiving guidance from someone like him, including clarity, preparation for the game, and awareness, I feel thankful to everyone who stood by me." Samson shared that he felt "devastated" and "completely out of sorts" after the New Zealand series at home, having scored just 46 runs over five innings. He soon lost his spot in the starting lineup to Ishan Kishan, and his next chance only came during the Super Eight. He responded with scores of 97, 89, and 89 in three crucial matches, finishing the tournament with 321 runs, ranking third in the competition despite playing only five matches. He achieved these runs at a strike rate of 199.37.
"Immediately following the New Zealand series, I was devastated. I was completely lost. I felt as if my aspirations were in ruins. I thought, 'what more can I do? ' But God's plans were different," Samson stated. "I unexpectedly returned for the important matches [starting with the virtual quarter-final against West Indies] and did my best for the country. I feel proud and happy that I was brave enough to dream about it, and things have unfolded well for me, so I am very thankful. " Samson was also part of the squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma, but he did not participate in any games in the USA and the Caribbean at that time. He noted that his comeback began there, and the "dream" to perform as he did in Ahmedabad came to life during that period.
"To be completely honest, this whole journey began a year or two prior when I was part of the 2024 World Cup-winning team in the West Indies," he said. "I didn’t get to play, but I continued dreaming, visualizing, and putting in the effort. I realized I needed to work hard enough to reach my goals. Today, thankfully, things have changed for the better. " "I'm just experiencing it all. It feels a bit unreal. This is a significant moment for me; I need to savor it right now."
