Sanju Samson. who helped India win the T20 World Cup, stated on Monday that he used a different strategy going into the competition to assist him get back on track. On returning to Thiruvananthapuram after India’s World Cup victory, he was addressing reporters.
When Samson arrived at the airport in the evening, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty gave him a warm welcome. Samson had earned the “Man of the Tournament” title for his performance in the T20 World Cup. Outside the airport, hundreds of cricket enthusiasts gathered and chanted his name.
Samson smiled as he discussed the shift in his batting strategy, saying previously, he had attempted to hit every ball and frequently got out.
“I tried to hit every ball, but it did not work. Then I had to learn from those failures. In the five-match series, I tried to increase my strike rate, but it didn’t work. Then I prepared with a different game plan for the World Cup,” PTI quoted Samson as saying.
When asked about his post-match admission that he had discussed reviving his form with Sachin Tendulkar, Samson described it as an indescribable emotion.
“We were in touch as I had been sending him messages for the past few years. We also spoke when we met during the IPL,” he said.
Samson claimed that Tendulkar was the first person he thought of for guidance when he was having trouble with his form.
“When I contacted him, he genuinely connected with me. He spoke to me for about 25 minutes, describing what had happened in his career, what to think during difficult moments, how to practice and how to handle situations. It genuinely helped me,” Samson said.
He claimed that he phoned Tendulkar once more after rediscovering his form during the New Zealand series, and Tendulkar offered him further guidance.
“Even a day before the World Cup final, he contacted me and asked whether everything was ready. It is not something everyone gets, and I am very happy about it,” he said, adding that Tendulkar congratulated him after the final victory.
Additionally, he stated that social media has a significant impact on players, both positively and negatively.
“Youngsters should learn how to handle it well. From social media, I understood how much people love me. But when things go the other way, one should open social media only if one can bear it,” he said.
Samson claimed that for the past one month, he had not used his phone. He said that a team manages his social media profiles.
“When I cut it off, the outside noise could be controlled. When the World Cup is happening in the country, there is a lot of outside noise. I cut it off and focused on cricket,” he said.
According to Samson, he last departed Thiruvananthapuram following a bad run of results prior to the World Cup.
“But such a twist was unexpected. We are happy now,” he said.
He claimed he was at a loss for words when it came to thanking his supporters.
“Not even now, when I was not selected in the team, when I was in the team, or when I did not perform, people stood with me during my setbacks. I felt a responsibility to give back for their support. I dedicate this performance to the people of the state,” he said.
Samson claimed that right now, his heart was overflowing with gratitude.
“In cricket, we can perform well at times, and sometimes we lose. My wife used to show me videos and reels of genuine support and prayers from people. My eyes would fill with tears seeing that, and I wondered whether I deserved such love,” he said.
If he had time after the interviews, he stated he intended to spend two days with his parents.
“I was told there may be an event in New Delhi as part of the World Cup victory celebrations the next day. That will be confirmed soon. Then I may have to go for it,” he said.
