Ahmedabad: After India’s historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said the opportunity to fight for the team’s ultimate goal rather than for a place in the side helped him deliver his best performance.
India created history by winning the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, becoming the first host nation to lift the title on home soil and securing the trophy for the third time overall.
Speaking on the show ‘Haier Match Centre Live’ on JioHotstar, Samson reflected on his journey from sitting on the bench during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to being named Player of the Tournament in the 2026 edition.
The Indian wicketkeeper admitted that setbacks, including a difficult phase after a series against New Zealand national cricket team, left him emotionally drained. He said he allowed himself time to process the disappointment and acknowledged that he had not fully utilized the opportunities he had earlier received.
However, Samson credited his comeback to a renewed mindset and support from the team management. He revealed that before India’s match against Zimbabwe national cricket team, head coach Gautam Gambhir informed him that he would be playing in the next game, which boosted his confidence.
Samson explained that he does not enjoy competing with teammates for selection, but once he is part of the playing group striving for a common objective, his performance naturally improves. According to him, the collective pursuit of the World Cup brought out his best cricket.
Teammates Reflect on Comebacks
India opener Ishan Kishan described his return to the national side as an emotional journey. He said that after being dropped from the team, he worked his way back through domestic cricket, and being part of a World Cup-winning squad made the struggle worthwhile.
Meanwhile, spinner Varun Chakaravarthy said winning the global tournament ranks among the most memorable moments of his career. He noted that starting professional cricket at the age of 26 once made him feel he was late to the sport, but lifting a World Cup trophy for the country proved how far he had come.
Chakaravarthy also praised the team management for maintaining faith in him during difficult spells, adding that the confidence shown by senior players and coaches helped him deliver crucial wickets during the tournament.
India’s title victory marked a historic achievement, further strengthening the team’s dominance in T20 cricket and providing unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
