'Pata nahi kab khelne ko milega': Sanju Samson unsure of place in India's playing XI in T20 World Cup

In a new video released by the BCCI, Sanju Samson talked about his mental journey and his tactical shift back to the opening slot after being named India’s primary wicketkeeper for T20 World Cup 2026. His return to the top of the order follows a period of significant experimentation within the Indian squad. Previously, the team had moved toward a pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. However, Gill’s struggle to find consistent form eventually led to his omission, creating the opportunity for Samson to reclaim his spot at the start of the innings.

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The statistical evidence for Samson’s promotion is compelling. In just 18 innings as a T20I opener, he has smashed three centuries, maintaining an impressive average of 32.88 and a blistering strike rate of 178.02. In the history of Indian T20I openers with at least 500 runs, his scoring rate is surpassed only by his current partner, Abhishek Sharma. These figures underscore his natural suitability for the powerplay, where his aggressive style can be maximized.

I didn't play a game in T20 World Cup 2024: Sanu Samson

Despite these achievements, the path back to the top was not easy. Samson admitted to spending months attempting to adapt to various middle-order roles due to team requirements, a period marked by professional insecurity and self-doubt that both he and Gill experienced. Now that the coaching staff has committed to him as an opener, Samson is focused on finding a consistent rhythm and solidifying his role as a cornerstone of India’s World Cup ambitions.

"10 years of lots and lots of failures, few successes here and there, it has always been about understanding what it takes to be a World Cup cricketer for the Indian team and I think how badly do I want it. I like to go out and fail or succeed in my own way," Samson said in a video uploaded by BCCI.

"Talking about the 2024 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 was still very grateful that I made it into the fifteen. My journey is so special ki pata nahi kab khelne ko milega (you never know when you'll get the opportunity to play)," he added.

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Samson’s performance has been virtually flawless since his elevation to the opening slot. He enjoyed a historic 2024 campaign, becoming the first Indian batter to score back-to-back centuries in T20 international cricket. By the end of that year, he had amassed a total of three hundreds, firmly establishing himself as one of the most prolific and dangerous strikers in the shortest format of the game.

Beyond his individual accolades, Samson has been a pivotal part of India’s record-breaking team achievements. Alongside Tilak Varma, he currently holds the record for India’s highest individual partnership in T20Is. This blend of individual consistency and the ability to build massive stands has made him an indispensable asset at the top of the order as India prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

I still feel very special to wear this jersey: Samson

Samson didn't forget to count his blessings and said that even after 10 years of international cricket he feels very special whenever he wears the Indian jersey.

"I think the biggest blessing which I have had, people say that you didn't have a long run, right? You keep playing, you don't play, you don't play, you play, but I think there is still a positive sign there. I was just talking to one of my mentors and I was telling him, after 10 years of international cricket I still feel very special to wear this jersey. That keeps me going, that keeps my inner cells totally charged up. So I think I'm very lucky and fortunate," the 31-year-old signed off.

Watch the video here: