‘I had a chance to play the final’- Sanju Samson reflects on snub from playing XI in T20 World Cup

Sanju Samson’s performance with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2024 was outstanding. In 14 innings, he amassed 531 runs with a strike rate of 153.47 and an average of 48.27. He was consequently added to the Indian team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the Kerala batter was unable to participate in any of the tournament’s games.

In the third Twenty20 International against Bangladesh on October 12, the wicketkeeper-batter scored an incredible 111 off just 47 balls, his first T20I century. Minutes before the toss, the right-handed batsman said he was ready to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup final versus South Africa, but he was ignored.

“I was able to participate in the final. I was instructed to remain prepared. I was prepared. They did, however, agree that we would use the same team before to the toss. “No worries,” I said. In an interview with writer Vimal Kumar, Samson stated, “I was in that kind of mood.”

Watch the video below: 

Sanju Samson was all set to play in XI of T2OI WC Final as Rohit had told him the morning of final but at toss Rohit Sharma announced the same XI and in return he got “duck” from Rishabh Pant.

Rohit then talked to Samson after toss for over 10 minutes and apologized. I… pic.twitter.com/lxGa0f7DsB

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 21, 2024

I was pulled aside by Rohit, who gave me an explanation of his choice: Sanju Samson.

Even though India defeated South Africa in the final and won the second title, Samson vividly recalled the talk that took place during the pre-match warm-up practice. Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rishabh Pant made up India’s middle order. When he unsaddled Samson, the RR skipper recalled a conversation in which Rohit Sharma attempted to argue.

In the middle of the warm-up, Rohit pulled me aside and began to explain his reasoning. He said, “You got it, don’t you?” He’s quite casual, and you know his way? I said to him, “Let’s win the match before we talk.” You pay attention to the game,” Samson added.

Also Read: Watch: During T20 World Cup final vs South Africa, Rishabh Pant admits “faking an injury”

One minute later, he returned and added, ‘I know you are cursing me in your mind.'” I believe you’re unhappy. It seems like you’re thinking about something. We then talked about it. “I want to play as a player,” I informed him, he continued.