Sanju Samson, who emerged as the Player of the Tournament in India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign, revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir personally assured him of his place in the playing XI during a casual gym conversation following a heavy defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage. The Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batter finished the tournament with 321 runs at an exceptional average of 80.25 and a blistering strike rate of 199.37, delivering match-defining performances against the West Indies, England, and New Zealand that proved pivotal in India's title triumph in Ahmedabad on March 9, 2026.

Samson, who was not guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup at the tournament's outset, shared that the turnaround began after the loss to South Africa. Speaking to JioHotstar post-final, he recounted the moment: “Gautam bhai met me in the gym, and that's where he told me, 'Sanju, be ready; you are going to play the next game. ' I was like, 'Ab aane do' (Let it come now).” The brief but decisive interaction from the head coach helped shift his mindset, allowing him to focus on contributing to the team rather than worrying about competition for places.

The 31-year-old admitted he struggles when he feels he is competing directly with teammates for a position in the side. “Honestly, I don't like competing with my own teammates for a spot. But once we are together and fighting for a cause, I bring out the best in me,” Samson explained. He referenced a poor New Zealand series prior to the World Cup, attributing his underwhelming form then to the pressure of battling for selection. In contrast, the clarity provided by Gambhir's assurance and a team-first approach unlocked his peak performance during the global event.

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Samson credited his leadership experience in the Indian Premier League, where he has captained a franchise for five years, as a key factor in his success. “Experience plays a big role, and more than experience, I have led an IPL franchise for five years. I think about a lot of different scenarios. Those thoughts kept on giving me clarity,” he said. The mental preparation and ability to visualise match situations helped him deliver under high-stakes pressure throughout the tournament.

When asked if he felt he had done justice to his talent in the World Cup, Samson responded confidently: “Yes, absolutely". His consistent run-scoring and ability to accelerate innings at crucial junctures earned him widespread praise and cemented his status as one of the standout performers in India's title-winning squad.

With the T20 World Cup now concluded, Samson will next turn his attention to the IPL 2026 season, where he is set to represent the Chennai Super Kings. The tournament victory and his personal accolades mark a significant high point in his international career, following years of fluctuating form and selection debates.

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