Sanju Samson, who went from being a peripheral player to becoming the player of the tournament with three pivotal runs in India’s historic T20 World Cup campaign, has had his life come full circle, according to batting great Sunil Gavaskar.
In the final three T20 World Cup games, including the semifinal against England and the final against New Zealand, Samson produced powerful knocks.
“Life has come full circle for Sanju Samson. Before the 2026 T20 World Cup, he had a terrible series against New Zealand. He was dropped, then after the T20 World Cup started, he got a chance to play against Namibia, but his knock wasn’t enough to keep his spot.
“He next played directly against Zimbabwe in the Super 8, but his real redemption began against West Indies in a virtual quarter-final,” PTI quoted Gavaskar as saying.
“He played a flamboyant innings and looked in complete control. We know how skilled Sanju is. But to perform in a virtual quarter-final, in the semi-final against England and then in the all-important final against New Zealand is not easy.”
After a subpar build-up series against New Zealand in which he managed just 46 runs from five T20Is at an average of 9.20, Samson, who was the backup wicketkeeper in the last edition with Rishabh Pant picked in the XI, appeared headed for a similar fate this time as well.
Ishan Kishan was chosen to take his place as wicketkeeper, therefore he was dropped. However, the team management reconsidered their strategy after India was on the verge of elimination after losing to South Africa in the group stage.
In the crucial match against Zimbabwe, Samson was given an opportunity, and his brilliant 15-ball 24 set the tone for India’s commanding 256/4.
His confidence was bolstered by his hit, and he went on to lead India into the semifinals with an incredible 97 not out in a simulated quarterfinal match at Eden Gardens against the West Indies.
Then, in the semifinal match against England, he hit a fast 89. In the final, he matched the same performance as India amassed another total of more than 250 before hammering New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to win an incredible third and second consecutive T20 World Cup title on Sunday.
“These games decide your fate and will define his career. Playing clutch knocks in high-pressure games takes something special. To have the scar of failure and then play the best knocks of your career in three back-to-back high-pressure games, that is Sanju Samson,” said Gavaskar.
The former captain of India stated that one of the hardest things in cricket is defending a world title.
“India’s trophy cabinet is quite full now. Winning ICC trophies is not easy. Bilateral dominance is different. ICC tournaments have zero margin for error. You must bring your best every game.
“It takes skill, not luck. The pressure is huge and these players represent over a billion people when they step on the field. No team has won back-to-back T20 World Cups and defending a title is tough. Opposition teams come well prepared.
“Winning the T20 World Cup back-to-back is a massive achievement. This is the best moment in Indian cricket history,” he added.
