Sanju Samson, an Indian batsman and wicketkeeper, discussed one of the most trying periods in his international career at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Kerala batsman claimed that he first found it difficult to accept Rohit Sharma’s consoling words after being pulled out of India’s starting lineup following a poor Twenty20 International series against New Zealand.
Samson admitted that, in spite of Rohit’s attempts to lift his spirits, he was currently too depressed to see the bigger picture. However, the setback ultimately turned out to be the turning point in his World Cup campaign, as he rebounded admirably to play a major role in India’s championship run.
Following India’s Twenty20 International series against New Zealand before the World Cup, Rohit had advised Sanju Samson to have patience, saying that his opportunity would come along during the tournament. “Dukhi mat ho bhai.” “Don’t give up, brother. It’s a long tournament, kabhi bhi mauka aa sakta hai.”
The competition is lengthy. You will have your opportunity. The chance may present itself at any time. Rohit had embraced Sanju Samson and told him.
Sanju Samson admitted that he had a hard time accepting their comments at the time.
“I must admit that at the time, I didn’t trust him. I apologise. I couldn’t see what he was seeing that day, but he may have spoken from his heart or from his experience. Samson told JioStar, “You could see it on my face; I was a bit off that day.”
“Our World Cup campaign started two days after the New Zealand series, and it takes me at least a week to recover,” the batsman-wicketkeeper said, adding that the disappointment continued throughout the early stages of the competition.
I don’t like to hold things within, so when I’m not feeling well, it shows on my face. Before getting back on track, I spent four or five days going through that phase,” he continued.
Sanju Samson claims that the difficult phase forced him to reflect on his objectives, which ultimately helped him regain his confidence. “You know you’ve failed, so what’s next? Since you are at the bottom, your only option is to rise. I began improving my mental health.
I began to wonder, “Why do I play cricket?” What am I doing? During the World Cup, I felt as though I was rediscovering who I was. After that, everything simply returned,” Samson remarked.
His comeback is among the greatest stories of redemption in T20 World Cup history. After being left out of the starting lineup at first, Sanju Samson rejoined the team. He finished as India’s best run scorer in the competition with 321 runs in just five games with an astounding strike rate of 199.37 and an amazing average of 80.25.
