IND vs IRE: “10 years of lots and lots of failures” - Sanju Samson opens up on his T20 World Cup 2024 selection

India batter Sanju Samson talked about his selection for the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that this is the most prepared or experienced version of him that can come into the tournament because he has had a lot of failures under his belt.

Sanju Samson was one of two wicketkeepers in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. His journey from being “wasting the opportunities” to “he should be there” has been exceptional as he has put in a lot of hard work in the last few years and has earned that place in the team.

Sanju Samson first didn’t get as many as opportunities he would’ve wanted. But in whatever limited opportunities he got, he failed to set the stage on fire. He was touted as one of the unluckiest players in Indian cricket but he didn’t stop working hard.

Sanju Samson in the IPL 2024 was nothing short of exceptional. Leading Rajasthan Royals in the tournament, the keeper-batted showed great maturity throughout the entire tournament and ended up as the leading run-getter for his team in the 17th edition of the league.

Sanju Samson scored 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47 and was the fifth in the Orange Cap table. He made selectors pick him and him getting a nod ahead over KL Rahul reflects the kind of impact he had in the league.

Sanju Samson said that IPL 2024 was a crucial tournament for him because, in the back of his mind, he knew that World Cup selection was on the cards. He said that getting selected in the team for the big event has been the biggest thing in his life. Speaking to BCCI, he stated:

“This is the most prepared or experienced Sanju Samson can come into a World Cup actually. 10 years of lots and lots of failures, few successes here and there. Life and cricket have taught me everything I needed to know before we come to this crucial tournament actually.

“The IPL itself had covered all my mind space. I think there was a lot to do, there was a lot to think. Being the captain of the side I think my mind was always occupied. But somewhere back of my head it was there. Because I think World Cup selections are also around and it was a huge thing actually. It was like one of the best things which could ever happen to my career.”

I got convinced that yes Sanju I think you are ready - Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson admitted that although he knew that he had a decent campaign in IPL 2024, he wasn’t sure if he would get selected or not. He added that when he was convinced that he would be selected he told himself that he was ready for the tournament. He added:

“And those thoughts were keep on playing. And I knew that I have had a reasonable good season in IPL where I did have my chances to get in. But at the same time, I also knew how tough it was. I think it can be either on both sides. It depends upon what the team wants, and what the exact combination our team management or the selectors are looking for.

“So the moment I got convinced that yes Sanju I think you are ready. I think the life and cricket gave it back to me. So that's how I like to look at it. So it was a great moment.”

It remains to be seen if Sanju Samson will get an opportunity to play in any of the games in the T20 World Cup 2024 or not.