‘Life and cricket have taught me…’ – Sanju Samson opens up about his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad

Sanju Samson is set to play in his first ICC event after he was selected for the T20 World Cup Indian squad. The 29-year-old was preferred over KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Jitesh Sharma after his impressive showing in the Indian Premier League 2024 season. For the first time in his IPL career, Sanju Samson had crossed the 500-run mark with the bat. 

Speaking to the official channel of the Board of Control for Cricket in India the 29-year-old shared his happiness at being picked for the mega event. Rajasthan Royals skipper said how much cricket and life had taught about success and failures. 

“This is the most prepared or experienced Sanju Samson can come into a World Cup. 10 years of lots and lots of failure, few successes here and there. Life and cricket have taught me everything before we came to this crucial tournament” said Sanju Samson while speaking to BCCI. 

Sanju Samson looking forward to playing for India in T20 World Cup 

There was a massive controversy when Sanju Samson wasn’t picked for 2022 T20 World Cup. Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant were picked for the event despite Samson impressing everyone with the bat during the IPL 2022 edition where led the Royals to the finals. 

Sanju Samson played the warm up game against Bangladesh and was dismissed for a duck while opening the batting. The 29-year-old will be battling with Rishabh Pant for a place in the playing XI when India takes on Ireland on Wednesday. 

"It was a huge thing, one of the best things that could ever happen to my career. Those thoughts kept on playing. I knew that I had a good season in IPL where I do have my chances to get in. But at the same time, I knew how tough it is and it can either be both sides." said Sanju Samson. 

When asked by the BCCI if he fancied his chances getting into the playing XI, Samson replied “It depends on what the team wants, what the exact combination our team management, and selectors are looking for. So the moment I got convinced that 'Yes, Sanju you're ready'. I think life and cricket gave back to me. So, that's how look at it. It was a great moment”. 

India and Ireland will begin their campaign on Wednesday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Virat Kohli is set to return to the side and could be at the expense of Sanju Samson. There is also doubts over the inclusion of Shivam Dube as Yashasvi Jaiswal could come into the team as the opener.