Suryakumar Yadav has revealed details of an encouraging message he shared with Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter was dropped from India’s playing XI during the early stages of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Speaking in an interview, the Indian captain recalled how Samson faced a difficult phase in the tournament after losing his spot following a poor run of form in the series against the New Zealand national cricket team. Samson was replaced in the lineup by Ishan Kishan, who had impressed with strong performances in the same series leading into the global event.

According to Suryakumar, Samson approached him directly to understand the expectations the team management had of him. The captain said Samson asked what role the team wanted him to play, demonstrating his commitment to contributing to the side despite the setback. Suryakumar told him that the team wanted to see the same aggressive batter who had often dominated opposition bowling attacks. Samson then addressed the squad, emphasising that the players must prioritise the needs of the team above individual ambitions if they hope to achieve something special together in the tournament.

Suryakumar also recalled offering Samson words of encouragement during the challenging period when he was not part of the playing XI. He told Samson that setbacks are a natural part of a cricketer’s journey and that he needed to stay patient and prepared for his next opportunity. The captain said he reminded Samson that if something is destined for him, it will eventually come his way. Suryakumar added that Samson continued to train and prepare himself with the mindset that whenever an opportunity arrived, he would seize it and prove his ability on the big stage.

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The Indian skipper also spoke about another crucial moment during the campaign when the team suffered a heavy defeat against the South African national cricket team in the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The 76-run loss had raised serious concerns about India’s chances of progressing further in the competition. With pressure mounting on the squad, Suryakumar turned to senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya for guidance, describing him as one of the most experienced big-match players in the team.

Suryakumar said he had earlier encouraged Pandya during the Asia Cup to share his experience with younger members of the squad, particularly about handling high-pressure matches. After the defeat to South Africa, Suryakumar and Pandya held a long discussion with the entire batting unit about how the team needed to approach the remaining games. The meeting focused on defining the team’s batting identity and creating clarity on the style of play required to succeed in the tournament.

The captain also praised senior players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel for their leadership qualities during difficult moments. Suryakumar said Bumrah naturally steps forward in pressure situations and communicates effectively with the bowling unit, helping maintain calm in the dressing room. He added that players like Axar bring a similar sense of responsibility and commitment, which helped the team regroup after setbacks and ultimately play a significant role in India’s successful World Cup campaign.

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