Sanju Samson, part of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, faced disappointment as he didn’t get a chance to play in the tournament. Despite this, he received opportunities in the subsequent series against Bangladesh.
Samson was promised all three matches in the series, especially with key players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal rested. However, Samson struggled in the first two matches, scoring 29 and 10 runs, respectively. He admitted that during this rough patch, he avoided eye contact with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had placed considerable trust in him.
The Coach-Player Relationship
In an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, Samson highlighted the importance of a strong player-coach relationship. He emphasized how essential it is for a player to feel supported by the coach, and the pressure that comes with wanting to repay that faith.
Samson felt guilty for his underperformance and avoided facing Gambhir, despite the latter’s continuous encouragement. However, when Samson finally scored a century in the third T20I, he was thrilled to see Gambhir applauding him. This moment underscored the significance of mutual trust between a coach and a player.
Dealing with Pressure
After his failures in the first two games, Samson acknowledged that there was significant pressure on him to deliver in the third match. He admitted to feeling the weight of competition, knowing that many players were waiting for a spot in the team. Samson shared that he often found himself lost in thoughts about his past failures and future possibilities.
Nevertheless, over time, he learned to manage this pressure through experience and by seeking advice from others. Samson now focuses on controlling what he can during a match, rather than getting caught up in speculation. He believes that staying grounded and contributing to the team once set is the key to overcoming such challenges.
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