Sanju Samson’s first reaction after Player of the Series honour in T20 World Cup: ‘Always believed in miracles’

Miracles do happen in cricket. Sanju Samson began his international career in 2015, but it took nearly a decade for him to find his footing. His breakthrough finally arrived in late 2024. Within just five weeks, he smashed T20I centuries in Hyderabad, Durban, and Johannesburg.

However, the 2025 season proved difficult. The Kerala batter battled injuries, leading to a significant dip in form. To find a spark, the team shifted his batting position. Samson moved from his role as an opener to number five, trying to fit in wherever the team needed him.

Unfortunately, a string of low scores followed. After managing just 70 runs across five innings against New Zealand, he lost his opening spot to Ishan Kishan just before the T20 World Cup 2026.

By his own admission, Samson was broken from the inside. But the right-hander stayed resilient. With Abhishek Sharma unable to get going at the top, Samson was drafted into the playing XI midway through the tournament. There was no looking back for the India opener since then.

If his 25-ball 24 against Zimbabwe was a trailer, Samson's 97 not out in a do-or-die Super 8 clash against West Indies proved he belonged to this level. The new Chennai Super Kings star's identical 89s against England (semifinal) and New Zealand (final) laid the platform for India's back-to-back 250-plus scores in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup 2026.

From not playing a single match in the T20 World Cup 2024 despite being in the squad to be a pillar of success two years later, it was indeed a miracle for Samson. “Have always believed in Miracles !!” wrote Samson on Instagram.

“Thanking each and every one of you for all the prayers and wishes… Let the celebrations begin. Jai Hind,” added the Indian star, with a picture of him kissing the T20 World Cup trophy. With 321 runs in just five games, Samson finished third in the table for most run-getters in this edition.

In fact, Samson was also named the Player of the Series, thus becoming the third Indian to do so in a T20 World Cup edition after Virat Kohli (2014, 2016) and Jasprit Bumrah (2024).

How Sachin Tendulkar helped Sanju Samson

It was during the post-match presentation ceremony, Samson broke the Tendulkar code. Crediting the legendary figure for his preparation and mindset, Samson said, “From the last couple of months, I've been in constant touch with Sachin (Tendulkar) sir... reached out to sir and had huge conversations with him.”

"Getting guidance from someone like him, what more can I ask for - that clarity, game preparation, awareness and sense.. Even yesterday he asked me how I am feeling,” revealed Samson.

What's next for Sanju Samson?

With presumably a week's rest, Samson will head to Chennai for a fresh start in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which starts on 28 March. After spending eight years on the trot with the Rajasthan Royals, Samson was roped in by CSK in a landmark trade deal in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

The five-time champions roped in Samson as a long-term successor to MS Dhoni as a wicketkeeper-batter. The two-time former Indian captain and five-time IPL winner-skipper, Dhoni, might call it a day at the end of this IPL season. Samson was retained at his existing price of ₹18 crore.

Catch the live action of the T20 World Cup 2026 with the complete T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule, and the T20 World Cup 2026 Points Table. Also, know who are currently leading the charts for Most Runs in T20 World Cup 2026 and Most Wickets in T20 World Cup 2026.