India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said guidance from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar helped him navigate setbacks and played a key role in his Player of the Tournament performance during India’s victorious campaign in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Samson revealed that he had been in regular touch with Tendulkar over the past few months, especially during phases when he was out of the playing XI.
“To be very honest, a lot of guidance came from senior players. But over the last couple of months I have been in constant touch with Sachin Tendulkar sir,” Samson said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“When I was sitting outside in Australia and not playing a game, I started thinking about the mindset required. I reached out to him and we had long conversations. Even yesterday he called me to check how I was feeling.”
Samson said the clarity and game awareness he gained from those interactions helped him during the tournament.
“Getting guidance from someone like him — what more can I ask for? That clarity, game preparation and awareness really helped me,” he said.
The tournament marked a remarkable turnaround for Samson. He did not play a single match during India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning campaign and returned to the playing XI only from the Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe.
From there, Samson produced a string of match-winning performances. He first struck an unbeaten 97 in the must-win clash against West Indies, followed by an 89 in the semi-final against England and another 89 in the final against New Zealand.
Overall, Samson scored 321 runs in the tournament at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.
Reflecting on the journey, Samson described the moment as surreal.
“Feels like a dream, actually. I’m very happy and grateful. It all started one or two years ago when I was with the 2024 World Cup-winning team but couldn’t play a game. I kept visualising and working for this moment,” he said.
Samson admitted there were moments when he felt his World Cup dreams were over, particularly after managing only 46 runs in the T20I series against New Zealand.
“After that series I felt my dreams had shattered. But God had different plans. I suddenly came back into crucial games and did what I could for my country,” he said.
“I’m very proud that I had the courage to dream about it. Right now I just want to enjoy this moment. Later we will see what comes next,” he added.
(IANS)
