MUMBAI: Sanju Samson was quick to respond when reminded that he missed out on two centuries. “Did I miss it? I didn’t miss two centuries. One of the best moments of my life is happening, so I’m grateful,” he said.That was Samson’s World Championship so far. His unbeaten 97 off 50 balls helped India chase down 196 against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final in Kolkata. This was followed by a fearless 89 against England in the semi-final.Against England, Samson stitched 97 runs with Ishan Kishan and then added 43 with Shivam Dube. It is clear that his ten years of experience have given him clarity in his role.
“Holi ki double khushi ho gayi” Indian fans erupt after win against England | T20 World Cup
“I have timed the ball well and made good decisions. I have played 300-400 T20s, batted from No.1-6 and led an IPL franchise. I understand what the team needs and my role in the playing XI. That clarity helps you score the way you want,” he said.For a player who has struggled with inconsistent opportunities, scrutiny and self-doubt for years, Samson seems to have finally arrived with a bang. Asked if he felt lighter, the 31-year-old joked: “One more game. Then I’ll feel very light.”“I waited patiently, worked hard, trained a lot. But we still have one more step to go. If we do it, it will all be worth it,” he said.From being dropped after the series against New Zealand to playing the hero in the World Cup semi-final, the Kerala batsman has risen like a phoenix. “This phase was very demanding,” he admitted. “I was trying to impress a bit and get into the World Cup XI. In T20 even the best are struggling to score.”Samson among 8 nominees for player of the tournamentSanju Samson’s name figures in ICC’s eight-man shortlist for players for the T20 World Cup tournament.The others are England’s Will Jacks, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert and American bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk.
