Sanju Samson has revealed that Sachin Tendulkar called him ahead of the T20 World Cup final to check on him.
I've been in constant touch with Sachin Tendulkar: Sanju Samson
Samson made a remarkable comeback to India’s playing XI and played three consecutive decisive knocks to take the side to their third World Cup title in the T20 format. He was also named the Player of the Tournament, finishing with 321 runs in five matches.
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During the presentation ceremony after the final, Samson opened up on his recent struggles and how he emerged from being “completely out of my mind” after a disappointing New Zealand series to win the tournament for India. In the T20I series against New Zealand, Samson had managed just 46 runs in five games, while Ishan Kishan hit 215 runs in four to take the opening spot.
"To be honest, there has been a lot of guidance and suggestions from senior players," the opening batter told Ian Bishop at the post-game presentation.
"A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out. From the last couple of months… I hope I can share it here. I've been in constant touch with Sachin sir. When I was sitting outside in Australia [during the T20I series in October], I wasn't playing a game, I thought about what mindset is required.
"I reached out to sir and had huge conversations with him. Even yesterday [final’s eve] night, he called me up to check how I am feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him, what more can I ask for? That clarity, game preparation, awareness and game sense - I'm grateful for everyone who supported me."
Samson returned to the XI for Rinku Singh for a must-win game against Zimbabwe, before slamming 97* in the quarter-final against West Indies, before identical scores of 89 in the semi-final and the final against England and New Zealand, respectively. India beat the Kiwis by 96 runs to successfully defend their T20 crown in Ahmedabad.
Also read: Wisden's Men's T20 World Cup 2026 team of the tournament
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