India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has spoken candidly about missing out on playing time on the previous T20 World Cup because the 2026 edition draws closer. The Kerala cricketer admitted he was looking forward to a chance but felt that the expectations he had set for himself didn’t quite align with reality.
Samson was amongst three squad members, together with Yuzvendra Chahal and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who didn’t feature in a single match in the course of the tournament. Now, the 31-year-old finds himself firmly established in India’s first-choice XI and has formed a dynamic opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma.
Ahead of the opening T20I against Latest Zealand, Samson addressed the subject in a video shared on BCCI.television, saying:
“Talking about 2024 T20 World Cup, I didn’t play a game. Yes, things were a bit up and down, to be very honest. It was not matching the expectations which I set. But I used to be still very grateful that I made it to the fifteen.”
The fitting-hander also voiced his appreciation for the trail he has taken, highlighting how difficult it’s for cricketers from Kerala to earn a spot within the Indian team.
“I used to be just sitting down with my friend and chit chatting and I used to be pondering like how we desired to play for the country and coming from Kerala and the way difficult it was after which from where things are actually. So, it feels very grateful for the entire journey. I feel tremendously completely satisfied and blessed to be at this case.”
“Still hungry to contribute”: Sanju Samson opens up
Sanju Samson also stated that he shares a robust understanding with captain Suryakumar Yadav, adding:
“I even have a terrific rapport with Surya. Having that connect with the captain may be very essential on this format. We keep exchanging lot of ideas, we keep asking lots of questions. I feel I’m at all times in the very best spot to present them a great answer. My role may be very clear.”
“I just should make a positive contribution. I just should go on the market and make a positive impact. I still feel there is a little more to do. Actually, there remains to be more hunger left in me to go on the market and contribute.”
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