Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson on Monday (June 3) said he has come "most prepared" to take part in the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA.
Samson led Rajasthan Royals (RR) from the front in the recently held IPL season. While RR made it to the playoffs, he aggregated 531 runs in 15 innings at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47.
"This is the most prepared or experienced Sanju Samson has come into this World Cup, actually," said Samson in video posted by the BCCI.
"Ten years of lots and lots of failures, few successes here and there. Life in cricket has taught me everything I needed to know before we come to this crucial tournament."
Having made his India debut in 2015, Sanju Samson has failed to establish himself in any of the three formats. He has played 16 ODIs and 25 T20Is so far, amassing 510 and 374 runs at an average of 56.66 and 18.70 respectively.
"The IPL covered all my mind space, I think. There was a lot to do, there was a lot to think being the captain of the side. I think my mind was always occupied, but somewhere at the back of the mind it was there, the World Cup selections are also around," Samson stated, before adding that earning the call-up to represent the country in the World Cup was a dream come true.
"It was a huge thing, actually. It was like one of the best things which could have happened to my career and those thoughts keep on playing."
The 29-year-old admitted that despite having a remarkable season, where his side led the IPL table for most part, he knew securing a spot in the India squad was not a certainty.
"I knew I've had a reasonable good season in the IPL where I do have my chances to get in. But, at the same time, I knew how tough it is. It can be either both sides because it depends on what the team wants, the exact combination our team management or the selectors are looking for," said Samson.
"So the moment I got convinced that 'Sanju you are ready', I think the life and cricket gave it back to me. So, that's how I like to look at it. So, it was a great moment."
Samson said failures and successes in his career have taught him to always look at things positively.
"I always look at things in a more positive manner, even if it's a failure or a setback that's when you actually learn about it. When you are young and you are having lots and lots of success, you actually skip a few lessons actually.
"I think I've been blessed to get some insane talent with my batting skills, that come very naturally to me, I don't do anything specific but I don't know how actually it comes. It just actually comes."
The cricketer said the moment reached New York, the IPL was completely off his mind and he was living in the moment.
"Right from the moment I landed here, IPL has been like completely off and it's been a completely different stage and I'm telling myself 'Sanju you are somewhere (else). I think lots and lots of people dream about and then its like 'Ok boss, what else I need to do.
"I didn't have to motivate myself; it was like automatically, things were supposed to happen and it was happening and and when you get into that atmosphere when you meet Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, you look at them and then you get inspired.
"Then you get motivated and then there is no looking back. You are only looking in front. How can a Sanju Samson help the team win more games," he added.
(With PTI Inputs)
