India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the biggest heroes of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026delivering crucial match-winning performances that played a key role in India’s successful campaign.
Samson produced two standout innings at critical stages of the tournament — an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super 8 stage and a composed 89 against England in the semi-finalhelping India secure a place in the final.
Rohit Sharma’s encouragement goes viral
Following Samson’s match-winning performance against the West Indies, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shared a heartwarming video on social media showing Rohit Sharma encouraging the Kerala batter earlier in the tournament.
In the clip, Rohit reassures Samson before India’s opening match against the United Statesa game in which Samson was not included in the playing XI.
“Dukhi mat ho bhai. It is a long tournament, you can get a chance anytime,” Rohit told him while hugging the batter.
The message, which translates to “Don’t be disheartened. It’s a long tournament; your opportunity can come anytime,” has since resonated strongly with cricket fans.
Tough start before the turnaround
Samson initially struggled to secure a place in India’s playing XI. His omission came after a difficult five-match T20I series against New Zealandwhere he managed only modest scores.
He eventually got an opportunity during the group-stage match against Namibia when Abhishek Sharma was sidelined with a stomach infection. However, once Abhishek recovered, Samson again found himself out of the team.
His real comeback arrived during the Super 8 stagewhen the team management decided to adjust the opening combination after off-spinners repeatedly troubled Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan during the powerplay.
Making the most of the opportunity
Once back in the playing XI, Samson seized the opportunity with confidence.
His unbeaten 97 against the West Indies guided India through a must-win encounter, while his 89 against England in the semi-final proved crucial in India’s journey to the title clash.
So far in the tournament, Samson has averaged 77.33 with an explosive strike rate of 201.73earning two Player of the Match awards and emerging as one of the leading contenders for the Player of the Tournament honour.
Rohit draws from his own experience
Rohit Sharma later explained that his words of encouragement came from personal experience.
Reflecting on his own disappointment of missing out on India’s 2011 World Cup squadRohit said he understood the emotional challenge of waiting on the sidelines.
“I have been in that place where chances don’t come in big tournaments. It’s important to stay focused and not get frustrated,” Rohit said in the ICC video.
Interestingly, Samson had also been part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024 but did not play a single match during that campaign.
This time, however, he has made a significant impact, emerging as one of India’s most influential players in the tournament.
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