Sanju Samson Reflects on Emotional Journey During T20 World Cup Triumph
Sanju Samson's Remarkable T20 World Cup Journey
Sanju Samson earned the title of Player of the Tournament for his outstanding contributions to India's T20 World Cup victory. The Kerala opener scored a total of 321 runs across five matches, playing a crucial role in the team's success. Despite his impressive performance, Samson candidly shared the emotional struggles he faced during the tournament, revealing that he felt 'absolutely broken' at times due to being excluded from the Playing XI.
Reflecting on his journey during the India Today Conclave on March 14, Samson noted that his path to becoming a key player was fraught with uncertainty. Initially, he was not a guaranteed choice for the team, and a combination of India's rocky start and strategic changes led to his eventual inclusion. He expressed how the waiting and self-doubt weighed heavily on him, stating, 'I was too desperate, knowing that my dream was so near.'
Samson took a brief step back to regroup mentally, preparing himself for any opportunity that might arise. He emphasized the importance of resilience, saying, 'You never know what the game wants to give back to you.'
He also contrasted this phase with earlier experiences in his career, where competition within the team made him uncomfortable. 'I do much better for others than for myself,' he remarked, highlighting the challenges of competing against teammates.
Once given the chance, Samson seized it, significantly impacting India's campaign. His remarkable innings included a 97 against the West Indies and two scores of 89 in both the semifinal against England and the final against New Zealand. These performances not only altered the trajectory of the tournament for India but also transformed Samson's narrative from one of self-doubt to becoming a pivotal player in high-pressure situations.
Samson attributed his turnaround to the trust placed in him by the team management, stating, 'When the World Cup came in, I figured out that the team wants you, so that is the mindset change which happened in my head.'