Sanju Samson became the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the T20 World Cup. After being left out of the team initially, he scored 321 runs in 5 innings. Samson credited his comeback to the guidance he received from Sachin Tendulkar, which brought back his confidence.
Ahmedabad: India won its third title by defeating New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. The hero of this victory was Kerala’s Sanju Samson, who was adjudged ‘Player of the Tournament’. Sanju scored 321 runs with the help of three half centuries in just five innings. Interestingly, Sanju was not even a part of the playing eleven at the beginning of the tournament. He got his chance when Abhishek Sharma fell ill and was sidelined in the group match against Namibia.
Despite Abhishek Sharma being out on zero thrice in a row, Sanju was not getting a chance. Then, when India lost to South Africa in the Super-8 and was in danger of being out of the tournament, Sanju returned to the team. He gave a great start to the team against Zimbabwe and became the team’s top scorer in the following three matches and won the title of ‘Player of the Tournament’.
Sanju himself revealed the secret of this dream-like comeback after winning the title. He said, “I want to thank all those who supported me. I got a lot of guidance from the senior and former players of the Indian team to improve my game. They all tried to help me to their best. But I want to openly tell you one thing about the last few months. I was constantly in touch with Sachin Tendulkar sir. When I did not get a place in the playing eleven in the T20 series against Australia, I was wondering what my mindset should be.”
Sanju further said, “I called Sachin sir for advice. We talked for a long time. Sachin sir advised me about the positive attitude that one should maintain even while sitting outside on the bench. He has a huge role in my preparation before every match and in improving my understanding of the game. Even yesterday he called me to ask how I was. What more could I ask for than getting guidance from a great player like him? Perfect instructions from Sachin sir in the last two months. And the advice helped me get my confidence back.”
Recalling the 2024 World Cup victory, Sanju said, “I was also a part of the team that won the 2024 World Cup, but then I did not get a chance to play even a single match. At the same time, I started dreaming of performing brilliantly for India in the final in Ahmedabad. But just before the World Cup, I was completely devastated when my form deteriorated and I was out of the playing eleven. But perhaps fate had something else in mind. I got a chance in the important matches and I did all that for my country. Something I could do. So, I’m very proud and happy that I dared to dream. I’m thankful that things worked out in my favor.”
“To be honest, it all feels like a dream. I have no words to say, I can’t control my emotions. I’m going through that right now, so everything doesn’t feel real.” On future plans, he said, “For now it’s a big thing. I just want to enjoy this moment. Will think about the future after a few days.”