NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson on Sunday credited his remarkable performances during the business end of India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign to his “big conversations” with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, revealing that he had been in constant touch with him over the past two months.
Samson was named the Player of the Tournament after delivering explosive innings in the final three matches of the competition, including the semifinal against England and the title clash against New Zealand.
"For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. I reached out to him and had big big conversations with him. Getting a guidance from someone like him, what more can you ask for?
"I am very grateful for everyone who supported me," Samson said after India’s 96-run victory in the final, where he top-scored with a scintillating 89.
From struggle to glory
Samson, who had endured a difficult phase before the World Cup, admitted the triumph felt almost unreal.
"Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions.
"To be honest, it started one-two years before. When I was in the 2024 World Cup team where I didn't play, I kept visualising, kept on working and this was exactly what I wanted to do. After the New Zealand series I was broken, my dreams were completely shattered.
"And I was thinking what can I do. But God had different plans. And I was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out."
Enjoying the moment
Asked about his future ambitions after the triumph, the wicketkeeper-batter said he was focused on enjoying the moment before thinking about what lies ahead.
"This itself is very big for me, I want to enjoy it right now and then after a few days will figure out what more to do."
(With PTI Inputs)
