Kumar Sangakkara, the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals (RR), believes that Sanju Samson has strengthened his claims to be India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to June 29.

Samson has been included in India's 15-member squad for the global showpiece tournament, but Rishabh Pant's selection gives the Men in Blue more alternatives as they strive to end their ICC trophy drought.

On Tuesday (May 7), the Royals skipper slammed 86 off 45 balls in the IPL 2024 match against Delhi Capitals (DC) while chasing the mammoth target of 222.

"It's really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination. But he (Samson) has made his case, so hopefully he'll have a good run in the World Cup," Sangakkara told reporters.

Samson is the third leading run-getter in the ongoing IPL so far with 471 runs to his name from 11 innings. Pant is also ranked among the top 10 batter with 413 runs from 12 innings.

"With Sanju, the biggest thing about this season for him is having a lot of clarity about the way he should bat," Sangakkara stated.

"There are certain stages of the game that he seems to lose a bit of concentration, which we've addressed from past seasons. He's changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just training all the time and being tired mentally and physically. The rest is his exceptional ability," he further remarked.

Sangakkara hailed Samson as a special player and expects him to make a mark in the marquee event, having made the World Cup squad for the first time.

"He's a special player and when he's fresh and focused there's nothing he can't do," Sangakkara said. "He's a humble, grounded guy... not much on social media. He tends to like a lot of privacy, cares for the rest of the group."

"Those are great qualities to have apart from talent and skill. I think he'll be exceptional in that group going to the World Cup."

(With Reuters inputs)