Samson Reveals Rohit’s T20 WC Assurance
During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson discussed one of the most challenging periods in his international career. The Kerala batsman admitted that after being left out of India’s starting lineup following a disappointing Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, he initially struggled to believe Rohit Sharma’s encouraging words.
Samson admitted that, despite Rohit’s efforts to cheer him up, he was too miserable at the time to grasp the big picture. But, in the end, the setback proved to be the turning point in his World Cup campaign, as he recovered spectacularly to contribute significantly to India’s championship victory.
Rohit encouraged Samson to remain patient during India’s Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, predicting that his opportunity will come during the World Cup. It’s a long tournament, so don’t give up. It’s a long competition. You will get your chance. “The opportunity can come at any time.” Rohit told Samson while embracing him.
Samson admitted that at the time, he struggled to accept their statements.
“To be honest, I did not believe him at the moment. Sorry. He may have spoken from the heart or from experience, but on that particular day, I couldn’t see what he saw. “You could see it on my face; I was off that day,” Samson told JioStar.
The batsman-wicketkeeper admitted that disappointment lasted into the tournament’s early stages. “Our World Cup campaign started two days after the New Zealand series, and it takes me at least a week to recover.”
I don’t like to keep things bottled up, therefore it shows on my face when I’m not feeling 100%. “I went through that phase for four or five days before getting back on track,” he explained.
Samson reflected on his aims during the hard stage, leading to a resurgence of confidence. You’re at the bottom, so you can only go up. I began working on myself mentally.
I started asking myself why I played cricket. What is my purpose? During the World Cup, I felt like I was re-discovering myself. “And then everything just came back,” Samson explained.
His comeback was one of the most moving redemption stories in T20 World Cup history. Samson rejoined the team after initially being left out of the starting lineup.
With 321 runs in just five games at an incredible average of 80.25 and a startling strike rate of 199.37, he finished as India’s leading run scorer in the competition.
