India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has credited legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for playing a key role in his remarkable performance during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Samson revealed that he had been in regular contact with Tendulkar over the past two months, and the conversations helped him immensely during the crucial stages of the tournament.
How Tendulkar helped Samson
On Sunday, Samson said that his success in the latter stages of India’s victorious campaign came after several meaningful discussions with the batting legend. The wicketkeeper-batter was named Player of the Tournament after delivering match-winning performances in the final three games, including the semifinal against England and the final against New Zealand.
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Samson scored 321 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.
“For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. I reached out to him and had big big conversations with him. Getting a guidance from someone like him, what more can you ask for?
“I am very grateful for everyone who supported me,” Samson said India’s 96-run win in the title clash in which he top-scored with a scintillating 89.
Samson on how he deal with lean patch
The 29-year-old also spoke about the struggles he went through before the tournament. Samson admitted that there were moments when things looked very difficult for him.
“Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions.
“To be honest, it started one-two years before. When I was in the 2024 World Cup team where I didn’t play, I kept visualising, kept on working and this was exactly what I wanted to do. After the New Zealand series I was broken, my dreams were completely shattered.
“And I was thinking what can I do. But God had different plans. And I was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out.”
Samson on next goal
When asked about his future goals, Samson said he wants to enjoy the moment for now before thinking about what comes next.
Asked what more does he want to achieve, the wicketkeeper-batter said, “This itself is very big for me, I want to enjoy it right now and then after a few days will figure out what more to do.”