'Kotsi Bhai, Don't Worry': Sanju Samson Promised His Coach Before a World Cup Resurrection

Sitanshu Kotak has revealed the conversation he had with Sanju Samson before the wicketkeeper-batter’s remarkable resurgence that helped the India national cricket team win the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Samson went on to be named Player of the Tournament after playing a decisive role in India’s successful title defence.

India sealed the championship with a dominant 96-run victory over the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sitanshu Kotak said Sanju Samson had always expressed confidence that he would contribute whenever the team needed him, even when his place in the playing XI was uncertain.

Sanju Samson struggled in the lead-up to the World Cup, scoring only 46 runs in five T20Is against New Zealand. He initially featured in just one group-stage match against the Namibia national cricket team after Abhishek Sharma missed the game due to illness.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Reveals Message to Dropped Samson: 'What's Yours Will Come'

However, a tactical change during the Super Eight stage following India’s defeat to the South African national cricket team saw Sanju Samson return to the side to break up a left-handed opening combination. The move proved decisive as Samson responded with a brilliant unbeaten 97 against the West Indies national cricket team in a must-win match.

He followed that performance with consecutive scores of 89 in both the semi-final and the final, powering India to their third T20 World Cup title. Samson finished the tournament with 321 runs from five innings, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous Indian record of 319 runs in a single edition of the tournament set in 2014.

Sitanshu Kotak explained that Sanju Samson’s resurgence was also the result of technical adjustments made over several months. The coaching staff worked to correct issues with his trigger movement and stance, helping him regain balance and timing against fast bowlers.

He also credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for continuing to back Sanju Samson despite criticism during lean patches. According to Sitanshu Kotak, their faith allowed the batter to play his natural aggressive style and ultimately deliver match-winning performances during the tournament’s crucial stages.

Also Read: Gambhir Reveals Why He Never Stopped Believing in Sanju Samson