(BCCI Credit)
Indian batsman Sanju Samson, selected for India’s T20 World Cup squad, expressed readiness for the prestigious event, emphasizing his assimilation of lessons from both setbacks and triumphs.
Indian cricketer Sanju Samson, securing a spot in India’s T20 World Cup lineup, affirmed his readiness for the high-profile competition. He emphasized his growth through experiences of both setbacks and achievements.
Samson, who marked his international debut in a T20I encounter back in 2014, has encountered a series of highs and lows throughout his cricketing journey. Despite his decade-long tenure, he has featured in only 25 T20Is and 16 ODIs for the Indian team.
Despite a lackluster performance in T20 internationals, Samson’s statistics reflect a different story. With only 374 runs scored at an average of 18.70 and a strike rate of 133.09, including one half-century with a best score of 77, his international T20 record has been underwhelming. However, his recent standout performance in the Indian Premier League, where he amassed 531 runs at an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46, accompanied by five half-centuries and a highest score of 86*, has earned him a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. His exceptional IPL season notably propelled the Rajasthan Royals into the playoffs, showcasing his potential and form ahead of the marquee tournament.
“In a decade marked by numerous setbacks and occasional triumphs, life and cricket have been my greatest teachers, equipping me with invaluable lessons for this upcoming tournament,” remarked Samson.
Reflecting on his experience during the IPL, Samson acknowledged the multifaceted responsibilities he faced as captain of his team, which occupied his thoughts. However, amidst these considerations, the looming prospect of T20 World Cup selection lingered in the background.
“It’s a milestone in my career, a significant achievement,” he expressed. “I recognized my solid performance in the IPL, yet I was aware of the uncertainties, contingent on team needs and management decisions. Once I was certain of my readiness, life and cricket rewarded me in kind. That’s how I perceive it,” he elaborated.
India’s T20 World Cup journey kicks off on June 5 with a match against Ireland at the newly erected Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled for June 9. Following this, India will face tournament co-hosts USA and Canada in their remaining Group A fixtures.
In this tournament, India aims to break their ICC trophy drought, with their last triumph dating back to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Despite several strong performances, including reaching the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, the semifinals in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, as well as the T20 WC final in 2014 and semifinals in 2016 and 2022, India has yet to secure a major ICC trophy since 2013.
India squad: Rohit Sharma , Hardik Pandya , Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant , Sanju Samson , Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.
