Sanju Samson reflects on Rohit Sharma’s advice during T20 World Cup 2026 after being dropped
Rohit Sharma’s initial advice
Sanju Samson has shared details about a conversation with Rohit Sharma during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sharma offered words of encouragement to Samson after he was not included in India’s playing XI during the later stages of the tournament. Samson had experienced a challenging five-match T20I series against New Zealand leading up to the World Cup. Despite this, Sharma conveyed to Samson that he still had a significant role to play in India’s campaign.
Sharma reportedly told Samson, “Dukhi mat ho bhai. It is a long tournament, kabhi bhi mauka aa sakta hai,” which translates to, “Don’t be disheartened, brother. It is a long tournament. You’ll get your chance. The opportunity can come anytime.” Samson, however, admitted that he was too disappointed at the time to fully accept Sharma’s words.
Samson’s period of disappointment and self-reflection
Samson confessed that he did not believe Sharma’s prediction at that moment. He stated, “To be honest, I didn’t believe him at that time. Sorry. He might have spoken from his heart or from his experience, but that day I wasn’t able to see what he was seeing. You could see it on my face; I was a bit off that day.” The disappointment persisted even after India’s World Cup campaign had commenced, making it difficult for him to move past it immediately.
The batter from Kerala explained that it typically takes him at least a week to recover from such setbacks. He mentioned that he does not conceal his feelings, and his disappointment was evident for several days. “I went through that phase for four or five days before getting myself back on track,” Samson added. This period of adversity eventually prompted Samson to engage in self-reflection, helping him to reconnect with his fundamental purpose as a cricketer.
Samson described this phase as an opportunity for introspection. He questioned his motivations for playing cricket and his overall purpose. “It was like I was rediscovering myself while the World Cup was going on. And then everything just came back,” he elaborated. He acknowledged a point where he felt he was “at the bottom,” from which the only direction was upwards. He began to focus on his mental state during this time.
Samson also noted that he realised he was overdoing things and that being mentally in a good space was more important than excessive practice. He cited the New Zealand series as a learning experience. He observed that Ishan Kishan had surpassed him in the pecking order when the T20 World Cup 2026 began. Samson felt that after a series of low scores, and with another player performing exceptionally well, it was clear that his World Cup prospects seemed to be over.
Redemption and tournament success
Despite his initial struggles, Sanju Samson achieved a significant turnaround, playing a crucial role in Team India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He was named the Player of the Tournament as India secured the title on home soil. After being left out of the playing XI due to a dip in form, Samson made his way back into the team.
He concluded the tournament as India’s leading run-scorer and the third-highest overall. Samson accumulated 321 runs in just five matches, maintaining an impressive average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. He also hit a tournament-record 24 sixes, which was the highest by any batter in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. His scores in the last three matches, including the semifinal and final, were 96 not out, 89, and 89.
Samson’s match-winning innings of 96 not out against the West Indies in a Super 6 match was particularly significant, serving as a virtual quarterfinal for Team India. He reflected on that game, stating that he had prepared much better for it. He noted that there are days when everything feels right, and that game was one of them, allowing him to enjoy the moment and let things happen naturally. He also acknowledged the importance of that match for India.
He explained his usual approach of accelerating after the powerplay, but in that specific game, wickets fell at the other end whenever he intended to attack. This experience taught him that the game itself dictates the necessary strategy. Prior to the IPL 2026, Samson was traded to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals for Rs 18 crore.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
