T20 World Cup 2024: "I didn't expect..." - 'Emotional' Sanju Samson on his World Cup selection

Sanju Samson has finally made it to the India squad for a World Cup event. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been picked in the 15-member India team for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

He earned the selection on the back of a stunning display in the recently-concluded IPL 2024. The Kerala star was competing with the likes of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma for the wicketkeeper's slots in the team. In the end, the selectors decided to reward him as well as Pant for doing well in the IPL.

Samson led his team Rajasthan Royals from the very front, scoring consistently throughout the season. He finished the tournament as the fifth-highest run-scorer. The right-handed batsman scored an impressive 531 runs in 15 innings with the help of five half-centuries.

Sanju Samson on his selection:

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson has called his selection in the Indian team a special one before stating that he was not really expecting it. However, he was working hard for his selection. The Rajasthan Royals star revealed that he had completely cut off the phone to stay in the right frame of mind for the IPL.

"Very emotional one. It was something which I didn't expect much actually. To be very honest, I knew that I was not very close to being selected. I knew I will have to do something. Really special in this IPL to get there," said Sanju Samson while speaking to Star Sports.

"So that's where I decided to put my phone away. I have to take a lot of decisions and so I totally cut out my phone. My phone is off from the last 2-3 months. I have to completely focus on my game. I have to completely give myself the best chance to go out there and perform and win games for my team, so that it can help me to get in the Indian team for the World Cup," he added.

Speaking further, Samson said that he would try his best to make useful contributions for the team in the marquee event. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to get underway on June 1. India, on the other hand, will open their campaign on June 5 against Ireland.

"I am ready for it and I really feel I can contribute well for my country" - @IamSanjuSamson

Samson reacts to his #T20WorldCup selection and he is all geared up for #TeamIndia's quest for the ultimate T20 prize!

How did you react to #Samson's inclusion in 🇮🇳's #WorldCup squad?… pic.twitter.com/DfkiGz3QFL

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 28, 2024