Sanju Samson Reflects on His T20 World Cup 2024 Selection: A Decade of Setbacks

Indian batter Sanju Samson discussed his selection for the T20 World Cup 2024, expressing that he feels more prepared and experienced than ever, thanks to the numerous failures he has endured.

As one of two wicketkeepers in India’s T20 World Cup squad, Samson’s journey from “wasting opportunities” to “he should be there” has been remarkable. His perseverance and hard work over the past few years have earned him a well-deserved place in the team.

Initially, Samson didn’t get as many opportunities as he would have liked, and in the few he did, he struggled to make a significant impact. Often considered one of the unluckiest players in Indian cricket, he never stopped working hard.

A Decade of Resilience: Samson’s Journey to the World Cup

Samson’s performance in IPL 2024 was exceptional. Leading the Rajasthan Royals, he displayed great maturity and ended as the team’s leading run-scorer in the 17th edition of the league.

He amassed 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47, finishing fifth in the race for the Orange Cap. His stellar performance made it impossible for selectors to overlook him, earning him a spot over KL Rahul.

Samson acknowledged that IPL 2024 was crucial for him, as he knew World Cup selection was on the horizon. Being selected for the World Cup is the pinnacle of his career. Speaking to the BCCI, he said:

“This is the most prepared or experienced Sanju Samson coming into a World Cup. Ten years of lots and lots of failures, with a few successes here and there, have taught me everything I needed to know before this crucial tournament.

The IPL itself occupied all my mind space. There was a lot to do and think about as the captain of the side. But at the back of my mind, I knew World Cup selections were around the corner. Being selected is one of the best things that could ever happen to my career.

Samson’s Self-Conviction: A Turning Point in World Cup Readiness

Sanju Samson agree that despite having a decent campaign in IPL 2024, he wasn’t certain about his selection. However, once he became convinced that he would be chosen, he mentally prepared himself for the tournament. He explained:

“Those thoughts kept playing in my mind. I recognized that I had a reasonably good season in the IPL, giving me opportunities to make the cut. Yet, I was aware of the challenges. It could swing either way, depending on the team’s needs and the specific combination sought by the management or selectors.

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“The moment I convinced myself that, ‘Yes, Sanju, I think you are ready,’ I felt that life and cricket had reciprocated positively. That’s how I prefer to view it. It was a significant moment.”

Whether Samson will feature in any games during the T20 World Cup 2024 remains to be seen.