“Like a Movie”: Sanju Samson Reflects on T20 World Cup Glory and T20I Resurgence

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson recently opened up about the surreal experience of being part of India’s victorious 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. Although the 30-year-old patiently waited for his moment on the field during the tournament, his inclusion in the historic campaign served as a catalyst for a record-breaking late-2024 run.

Waking Up a World Champion

“Not yet, I am still like, when I get up in the morning, I’m like, ‘has it really happened’. So honestly, that’s the feeling,” Samson remarked regarding the triumphant campaign in the Americas. He expressed firm confidence that India’s robust domestic structure and continuous stream of emerging talent will ensure continued global dominance.

Reflecting on a journey filled with highs and extended absences from the national setup, Samson embraced the unpredictability of his career. “You can only dream where you want to go, but you can’t definitely ride the path towards it,” he explained. “My career has been one of the best examples. I definitely wanted to do this a couple of years ago. I want to win a World Cup for my country, but it had its own plan, its own script. So, it’s more like a movie. I enjoyed it.”

The Post-World Cup Mental Shift

The turning point for Samson arrived immediately after the World Cup during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in July 2024. With several senior players rested, Samson was asked to anchor the top order, scoring a crucial 58 in the fifth T20I.

“In the World Cup, the focus is all about the team, what the team requires. And in the Zimbabwe game, right from that moment, everyone wanted me to contribute,” Samson detailed. “I had a role to play. So that’s when the shift happened and the confidence that, okay, ‘the team needs you, Sanju’, and let’s do what you can to the best.”

Historic 2024 Century Streak

That mental shift translated into historic on-field production. After working extensively on his physical conditioning and mental approach, Samson became the first Indian batter to record three T20I centuries in a single calendar year, dismantling bowling attacks from BCCI domestic events to international arenas.

Sanju Samson’s 2024 T20I Centuries

Perseverance Across the Squad

Samson’s story reflects the broader perseverance that defined India’s ICC T20 World Cup success. The tournament marked the culmination of years of heartbreak for several veterans, correcting previous statistical anomalies. Most notably, captain Rohit Sharma cemented his legacy by becoming the only Indian player to feature in both the 2007 and 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squads, an achievement previously incorrectly attributed to newer additions like Mohammed Siraj in early reporting.

For Samson, the physical and mental preparation simply met the right moment. “I was working mentally. I was working physically, so I knew that I was ready, and I knew that this was meant for me, so I just had to do what I know best,” he concluded, firmly cementing his status in India’s top order as the team builds toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.

For complete player statistics and upcoming match schedules, visit ESPN Cricinfo.