Star India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson’s journey to the swashbuckling 97* against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been a rollercoaster. Despite being in and out of India’s playing XI at the start of the tournament, he has grabbed his chance with both hands. Following his stunning knock against the West Indies, former India captain Rohit Sharma gave him advice that went viral on social media.
However, Rohit Sharma was present at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai ahead of Team India’s first game of the tournament against the United States of America (USA). However, Sanju Samson did not play. This was when Rohit came to Samson to offer him support as well.
“Kaisa hai? Dukhi mat ho bhai. It is a long tournament, kabhi bhi mauka aa sakta hai (“How are you? Don’t be disheartened. It is a long tournament. The opportunity can come at any moment),” Rohit Sharma had said to Sanju Samson, as revealed in a video posted by the official Instagram account of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
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“It was very important to observe, learn, and see” – Sanju Samson
However, Rohit’s words have proved true as Samson returned to the team following India’s defeat to South Africa as well. While he played a stunning cameo in India’s win over Zimbabwe, he then played a match-winning knock against the West Indies as well.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson also paid tribute to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the match.
“Playing IPL for around 10 to 12 years and being with the Indian team for the last 10 years… I have not always been playing, but I was looking from the dugout, learning from greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It was very important to observe, learn, and see what they were doing,” Sanju Samson said after India’s highest-successful run chase in T20 World Cup history.
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