'Credit goes to BCCI...' - Sanju Samson reflects on T20 World Cup 2024 triumph; reveals how RR captaincy did wonders for him

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has reflected on his exhilarating experience of winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 last in the USA and West Indies with the Indian cricket team and leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2021.

Speaking about India's historic triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, Samson expressed overwhelming emotions, saying it was a great feeling and the emotions have not yet sunk in. He described how the victory had left an indelible mark, with constant reminders flooding in through messages and social media.

Sanju Samson reflects on India's ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

Samson also recalled being unable to wipe the smile off his face for hours after the final ball was bowled by Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados. The Indian wicketkeeper said that he was really fortunate to be a part of the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team.

The right-handed batter further credited India’s historic title triumph to the complete team effort of the BCCI, the Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff, the captain Rohit Sharma, and every team member. Samson is currently playing in the fifth and final T20I against Zimbabwe on Sunday, July 14, in Harare.

Sanju Samson said on winning the T20 World Cup 2024 ahead of 5th T20I: “The emotions are still going through. Still, the images are coming from friends on WhatsApp and on social media. It was a great feeling. I could remember, and I could not stop smiling for the next two hours after the last ball was bowled in Barbados. I was really fortunate to be part of the team. The credit must go to BCCI, the coach, the captain, and each member that was part of the squad. It was a great team effort by everyone.”

Sanju Samson reveals how Rajasthan Royals' captaincy made him a better player and person

Switching gears to his role as RR captain in the IPL, Samson emphasized the learning curve and responsibility that come with the captaincy. The Kerala star said that leading overseas stars alongside young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag in the IPL has been a transformative experience for him both as a player and as a human being.

He admitted that RR’s captaincy allowed him to understand and manage different personalities within the team, saying every season brings new lessons and opportunities for growth on and off the field.

Furthermore, Samson reflected on his evolution from being self-centered to being more empathetic towards his teammates, saying the challenges and insights gained from leadership are behind his transformation.

Samson signed off by saying, “To be honest, I have been leading the franchise of the of the Rajasthan Royals for four years. There have been legends of the game, and I’m taking care of them. Also, at the other end, I’m taking care of the youngsters like Jaiswal and Parag.

I try to learn from them how to turn things around. When you lead the side, you learn a lot about the other guys as well. I was stuck in my own mindset before that, but the leadership has helped me grow as a person.”