'I could not play a World Cup final with...' - Sanju Samson reveals real reason on missing the T20 World Cup 2024

Sanju Samson was a part of the Indian squad, which was victorious in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, but wasn't a part of the playing XI. The management went ahead with Rishabh Pant, who returned to the team after a long gap due to his accident in 2023.

While talking to journalist Vimal Kumar during an interview, Samson revealed that the management told him he would play in the finals and asked him to be ready. However, right before the toss, Rohit Sharma and the management decided that he wasn't the right fit and was informed about it. 

"They decided before the toss that we would go with the same team. I was like, no worries. I was in that type of mood. During the warm-up, Rohit took me to the side and started to explain to me why he was making that decision. He was like, You understood, na? You know his way, very casual? I told him, 'Let us win the match and then talk.' You focus on the match," said Samson.

While India went on to win the finals and write history, Samson was sidelined. They won the finals against South Africa, thanks to brilliant bowling efforts from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya in the death overs. 

I will have a regret: Sanju Samson

When Rohit Sharma came in to have a conversation regarding his missing out on the clash, Samson mentioned to him that he would regret not playing under a captain like him. Moreover, Samson praised Rohit's captaincy and how he handled the situation well. Rohit prioritized talking to Samson instead of concentrating on the toss, which won the player's heart. 

"I said, 'I will have a regret; I could not play a World Cup final with a leader like you.' This will be a regret in my heart that I missed a World Cup final with a leader like Rohit Sharma. That will stay in my life," added Samson.