In the annals of Indian cricket, few stories resonate as profoundly as Sanju Samson's triumphant arc at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
From rags to riches
has a number of examples, but Sanju's story in this T20 World Cup is of mending himself from the cusp of capitulation. But even if we consider the recent emergence, the first act of this extraordinary comeback took place in 2024.
The Heartbreak behind Joy - First Act
Just two years ago, during India's victorious campaign in 2024, Samson was a peripheral figure, a talented wicketkeeper-batter relegated to the bench, warming seats while his teammates etched their names in history. Fast forward to March 2026, and the Kerala-born star has not only stepped into the spotlight but claimed it entirely, emerging as the Player of the Tournament in India's record third T20 World Cup triumph.
Sanju was also supposed to play the final, but only to know from then captain Rohit Sharma an hour before the start of the match that he was dropped. Sanju took the decision with utmost respect, but behind his smile, there was a grin which he hid perfectly.
India lifted the trophy without him featuring in a single match, a decision that stemmed from the team's preference for Rishabh Pant behind the stumps and a settled top order. But for the 31-year-old, it was merely the beginning of a redemption saga.
The Transition - Second Act
Post-2024, with stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20Is, doors cracked open. Yet, Samson's path was anything but linear. He notched three T20I centuries in late 2024 against Bangladesh and South Africa, hinting at his potential as an opener.
However, a poor series against England in early 2025 saw him dropped, only to be recalled and demoted to No. 5 in the Asia Cup-a positional shuffle that disrupted his rhythm. The Asia Cup was not convincing, as his see-saw battle continued.
I was Broke, I thought my Dreams were Shattered: Sanju Samson - Third Act
Now the act shifts to 2026. Sanju Samson was picked up for the T20 World Cup squad, much to the rejoice of the mass. But what happened next? A dismal series against New Zealand in the bilaterals a fortnight ahead of the World Cup. Sanju managed only 45 runs in 5 innings and lost his spot to Ishan Kishan.
In the T20 World Cup, his first-choice status was gone. Sanju played a solitary match against Namibia in the group stages and managed 22 off 8 balls, but that was not enough. Abhishek Sharma was reinstated and Sanju thought 'my dreams were shattered'.
"I was broke. I thought my dreams were shattered. After the New Zealand series, I was down," Sanju was saying after the T20 World Cup win.
Sanju 'Special' Samson - The Final Act
But then came the opportunity knocking. After Abhishek Sharma's continued struggles, Sanju was notified of another chance. After the defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad in the Super 8 stages, during a gym session, Gautam Gambhir let the Kerala boy know that he will be getting another chance. And boy! How did he grab it.
Super Eights vs West Indies: An unbeaten 97 off 50 balls at Eden Gardens-a record chase score for India in T20 World Cups-propelled India to the semi-finals. "One of the greatest days of my life," he called it.
Semi-final vs England: 89 off 42 balls, equaling Kohli's flair under pressure, dismantling a formidable attack.
Final vs New Zealand: Another 89, sealing India's victory and etching his name alongside legends as India win the T20 World Cup.
"Aab aane do (Let the opportunity come now)," Samson recalled this is what he was saying to himself after Gambhir notified him of another opportunity in the Super 8 stages. And he has justified his talent. From being labelled as a player with talent, Sanju has transitioned to the player who delivered at the biggest stage when it mattered the most.
The virtual quarterfinal in Kolkata, the semifinal in Mumbai, and the Final in Ahmedabad - will forever be etched in the memories for the tremendous treat from the Vizhinjam boy. He has battled a lot, often with the outer noises, and sometimes with himself as well.
"But God had different plans. I came back strong for the crucial games and delivered for my country. I'm so proud and happy that I had the courage to dream big, and everything has turned out beautifully. I'm deeply grateful," Sanju said with immense gratitude.
The player revealed he was in constant touch with Sachin Tendulkar for the last couple of months, and also revealed that the acceptance of failure made his rejuvenation a lot easier.
The Kerala Cricket Association organised a screening of the Final in Trivandrum at the Greenfield Stadium, Sanju's breeding ground. Thousands of fans watched their favourite 'Mone' (Dear in English) delivering his final act in style, in the proper fashion which they dreamed of. As the dust settles, Sanju may realize the impact of the last week or so.
March 1 to March 8 - this eight-day period have returned Sanju Samson what he deserved. But more so, these eight days will inspire a billion who are in the quest to chase their own dreams. Shattered, but not Dusted. Join the pieces and fight, probably the new version will be better than the old one!
