In a surprising revelation, Sanju Samson has opened up about how he was excluded from the playing XI just minutes before the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. Samson shared that Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, had initially indicated that he would be part of the crucial match. However, 10 minutes before the toss, Sharma informed him about a change in the team’s decision.
Rohit’s Last-Minute Decision
According to Samson, he was ready to take part in the final after being told to stay prepared throughout the tournament.
However, as the team stuck with the same lineup from previous matches, Samson found himself on the bench yet again.
Rohit Sharma, instead of focusing solely on the final, took the time to personally explain the decision to Samson during the warm-up, which touched the wicketkeeper-batter deeply.
“I had a chance to play the final. I was told to stay ready. I was ready. However, they decided before the toss that we would go with the same team. I was like, no worries. I was in that type of mood,” Samson told journalist Vimal Kumar in an interview.
Despite the disappointment, Samson maintained a positive attitude, expressing his desire to focus on the match rather than let his emotions affect the moment.
Samson’s Respect for Rohit Sharma
Despite his exclusion, Samson highlighted the respect he has for Rohit Sharma. What stood out to him was how the captain spent nearly 10 minutes explaining his decision.
“The fact that Rohit spent time with me, even though I wasn’t playing, was remarkable. He won my heart that day,” Samson stated.
“During the warm-up, Rohit took me to the side and started to explain to me why he is making that decision. He was like, You understood, na? You know his way, very casual? I told him, ‘Let us win the match and then talk.’ You focus on the match.”
He added, “He came back one minute later and said, ‘I know you are cursing me in your mind.’ I think you are not happy. I feel like you have something on your mind. Then we had a discussion. I told him, ‘As a player, I want to play’.”
Sanju’s only regret was not being able to play a World Cup final under Rohit’s leadership.
“Since childhood, I wanted to come here and do something. Then he was like, ‘My pattern is like this’ and all that. I said I totally respect that you came and explained me. I said, ‘I will have a regret; I could not play a World Cup final with a leader like you.’ This will be a regret in my heart that I missed a World Cup final with a leader like Rohit Sharma. That will stay in my life.”
“After this, I thought, such a big thing like a World Cup final. Before the final, you have changed your decision. You spent 10 minutes with the player that is not playing just before the toss. He gave me 10 minutes before the toss. After that, I got to know this person has some other qualities.
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“If I were in their place, I would be thinking about the players who are playing or my batting. I will explain to Sanju later; that is what normally you think. At that point, he thought ‘I have to explain to Sanju, why I took that decision.’ At that point, he won a place in my heart that will stay for a lifetime.”
While Samson did not get a chance to feature in the final, his admiration for Rohit’s leadership grew, marking an experience that will remain with him for a lifetime.
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