Sanju Samson Reflects on His Journey and Relationship with Gautam Gambhir

Samson's Longstanding Bond with Gambhir

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], March 16: Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, shared insights about his enduring relationship with India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir.

During a media interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, Samson remarked, “Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and I share a long-standing bond. I first met him when I was part of KKR, where he served as captain. He resides in Delhi, and I trained at the same academy he did, which has fostered our connection over the years. The journey from then to now is truly beyond words.”

Samson's Stellar Performance at the T20 World Cup

In the tournament, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter scored an impressive 321 runs across five matches, averaging 80.25 with a remarkable strike rate of 199.37. He hit 27 fours and 24 sixes, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup. Notably, he surpassed Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs from the 2014 edition, marking him as the Indian with the most runs in a single T20 World Cup.

A Message from a Legend

Samson also disclosed that he received a heartfelt message from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. “I got a message from Sachin, sir. It was incredibly emotional for me,” he shared.

Historic Victory for Team India

Team India made history by clinching their third T20 World Cup title, becoming the first team to defend the title and win it on home soil, following a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

Samson's Comeback Story

Samson made a remarkable comeback during the T20 World Cup, overcoming previous inconsistencies and bench time to emerge as India’s top run-scorer. He delivered crucial performances, including a series of half-centuries from the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies to the final against New Zealand.

Cricket as a Team Sport

Emphasizing his approach to the game, Samson stated, “I never aimed to be selfless; I’ve always wanted to be true to myself. I bring various qualities, strengths, and weaknesses to the field. I view cricket as a team sport, and our goal is to win. Reflecting on my recent experiences, I carry many dreams with me, inspiring not just young cricketers but individuals across various professions.”