‘That phase was very challenging’: Sanju Samson makes honest admission ahead of IND vs NZ final

MUMBAI: Sanju Samson was quick with his response when reminded that he had missed out on two centuries. “Missed out? I haven’t missed two centuries. One of the best moments of my life is happening, so I’m grateful,” he said.

This has been Samson’s World Cup so far. His unbeaten 97 off 50 balls helped India chase down 196 against West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal in Kolkata. That was followed by a fearless 89 against England in the semifinal.

Against England, Samson stitched a 97-run stand with Ishan Kishan and then added 43 with Shivam Dube. It’s clear his decade-long experience has given him clarity about his role.

“I was timing the ball well and making good decisions. I’ve played 300-400 T20s, batted from No.

1-6 and captained an IPL franchise. I understand what the team needs and my role in the XI. That clarity helps you score runs the way you want to,” he said.

For a player who spent years grappling with inconsistent opportunities, scrutiny and selfdoubt, Samson finally seems to have arrived with a bang. Asked if he felt lighter, the 31-year-old quipped, “One more match. Then I’ll feel very light.

“I waited with patience, worked hard, trained a lot. But we still have one more step to go.

If we do that, then everything will be worth it,” he said.

From being dropped after the series against New Zealand to playing hero in a World Cup semifinal, the Kerala batter has risen like the phoenix. “That phase was very challenging,” he admitted. “I was trying a bit too hard to make an impact and get into the World Cup XI. In T20, even the best struggle to score runs.”

Sanju Samson’s name figures in the ICC’s eight-man shortlist for the T20 World Cup player of the tournament.

The others are England’s Will Jacks, Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert and American bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk.