For someone who was considered expendable not too long ago, Sanju Samson is suddenly in demand. One day he addresses a conclave and attends an award function in New Delhi, the next he flies home to Thiruvanthapuram for an event. As much as the team desperately wanted him to come back as an opener to break the stranglehold left-handed extras had, everyone wants Samson. He will soon fly to Chennai for IPL duties with Chennai Super Kings. Samson described the epochal victory as much more than a sporting milestone, calling the win a deeply “spiritual experience”.Big words for someone who is seen as a happy-go-lucky character and, by his own admission, “not very emotional”. For Samson, one of the most memorable World Cup moments came in the silence of the dressing room after India’s crucial Super Eights win over West Indies. “After the win over West Indies, I created my own spiritual place in the dressing room and also offered a personal prayer,” Samson told reporters at an event here.
Sanju Samson starts his T20 World Cup journey and wins the title
Winning outside of cricket
Calling India’s World Cup triumph much more than a sporting achievement, Samson called the experience deeply spiritual.“It was a spiritual moment. When you win something as big as the World Cup with your country, it’s like something bigger than just a sport,” Samson said during a recent event. The tournament lived up to its tagline of “Feel The Thrill”, delivering electrifying powerplays, dramatic finishes and passionate crowds chanting “India! India!” from crowded stadiums.One of Samson’s most memorable moments during the tournament came after India’s Super Eight win against the West Indies national cricket team. “After the win over the West Indies, I made my own spiritual place in the dressing room and said a personal prayer,” he revealed.
Overcoming self-doubt
“When I left home to play in the World Cup, I wasn’t too sure, but the universe had other plans,” he said. “That 97 not out against the West Indies was the most important innings for me because I had to stay calm even when wickets were falling at the other end.Samson also recalled an emotional moment after the final with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, one of the keeper-batsman’s biggest supporters. “Gauti bhai and I have a close relationship. He didn’t say much… he just hugged me for about 30 seconds. That was enough,” said Samson.
A new chapter with Chennai Super Kings
Samson is now gearing up for the next phase of his career with Chennai Super Kings where he will share the dressing room with legendary batsman MS Dhoni.“I have spoken to Mahi bhai a lot and seen him in and out of the Indian team. But this will be the first time we spend two months together. There is a lot of excitement,” explained Samson.Interestingly, his first match in the yellow jersey will come against his former franchise, Rajasthan Royals. “On the pitch, I don’t let emotions prevail. I always give my best for the team I represent,” he added.For Samson, cricket is much more than trophies and personal milestones. The Indian star says that every time he steps on the field, he carries the dreams of countless youngsters.
