Sanju Samson, who came into the Indian squad midway through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, emerged as India’s highest run getter in the tournament.
He was named as the Player of the tournament after amassing 321 runs in 5 games he played. After India clinched the T20 World Cup title for the third time, Sanju credited legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar for playing a key role in his successful run in the 2026 edition of the tournament.
After a turbulence in this career during 2025 calendar year, Sanju Samson had been handed an opportunity to reclaim his spot in playing 11.
Howerver, his poor run during the New Zealand series made him to lose his spot in the playing 11 once again.
Speaking to the broadcasters after the final, Sanju Samson admitted the setback had left him devastated as he feared being sidelined once again for the T20 World Cup.
“Feels like a dream. I’m out of words and still trying to process my emotions,” said Sanju Samson.
“This journey really started with the 2024 team when I couldn’t play a single game. I kept visualising and dreaming about moments like this. I knew I had to work hard to become good enough.”
A story written in grit rewarded with the @aramco #T20WorldCup Player of the Tournament for Sanju Samson 🌟 pic.twitter.com/tttWV3MJ5B
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) March 8, 2026
“After the New Zealand series, I was broken. I felt like my dream had been shattered again. But God had different plans. I’m extremely happy that I had the courage to keep dreaming,” he added.
Sanju Samson came into light when he stepped up during the must win game against West Indies where he made a stuning 97* runs in the mammoth run chase guiding the side to qualify for semifinals.
Since then, he made crucial knocks against England in Semifinals and New Zealand in finals. Sanju went on to make three successive fifties and finished as India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 321 runs at a strike rate of 199.37.
Sanju Samson revealed that Sachin Tendulkar had been central to his turnaround. He first reached out to the Indian great when he dropped midway through Australia series in October.
“When I was sitting out in Australia and not playing, I started thinking about the mindset I needed at that moment. That’s when I reached out to Sachin sir,” Samson said.
“We had long conversations. Even yesterday he called to check how I was feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him — what more can I ask for? It gave me clarity and helped me with my preparation, game awareness and understanding. I’m very grateful to everyone who supported me.”
Sanju Samson will be seen in action during IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings where cricket fans are eager to watch him donning Yellow Jersey.
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