Samson earned the Player-of-the-Tournament accolade for playing three clutch knocks in the T20 World Cup.
The wicketkeeper-batter deservedly earned the Player-of-the-Tournament accolade after finishing the tournament as the third highest run-getter, with 321 runs in just five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.
The wicketkeeper-batter wasn’t part of India’s XI at the start of the competition, but India’s loss to South Africa in the Super 8s paved the way for his return as the team management decided to break the left-hander's sequence at the top to nullify the effect of rival off-spinners.
Samson repaid the faith emphatically as he produced 97* (50 balls) in the virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies, an attacking 89 (42 balls) against England in the semifinal, and another 89 (46 balls) in the final against New Zealand, powering India to a record third T20 World Cup title.
Nearly four months later, Samson detailed the conversation he had with Sachin Tendulkar that led to his redemption journey and the message he sent to the batting legend after being named Player-of-the-Tournament.
"When I was sitting out in Australia and not playing, I started thinking about the mindset I needed at that moment. That's when I reached out to Sachin sir," Samson had said during the T20 World Cup 2026 in March.
"We had long conversations. Even yesterday he called to check how I was feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him — what more can I ask for? It gave me clarity and helped me with my preparation, game awareness and understanding. I'm very grateful to everyone who supported me."
Speaking during a special JioStar interaction ahead of Wimbledon 2026 alongside tennis legend Rohan Bopanna, Samson finally opened up on the advice he received from Tendulkar during that difficult phase.
"The greatest message I received from a legend in India was from Sachin sir. When things were not going right, I asked him for advice, explaining that I was experiencing certain challenges and wasn't doing well.
"He said, 'Sanju, I think I have been a part of this game for a very long time. I have had my own career and seen a lot of things. But one thing I can assure you is that if you dedicate yourself 100 per cent to the game, and if you respect and love the game to the fullest, the game will definitely give back to you at some point,'" Samson recalled.
After scripting India's World Cup win, Samson made sure to let Tendulkar know that his words had proven true. "I messaged him and said, 'Sir, I think that has come through.'"
Sanju Samson will be next in action during India’s two-match T20I series against Ireland, starting June 26 in Belfast.