Despite being focused on leading his team in the IPL, the thought of the impending World Cup selections was on his mind and he came “more prepared”, said Indian batsman and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. The Rajasthan Royals captain had another successful IPL season where he scored 531 runs, including five half-centuries, and finally got his due when he was selected in the 15-member Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies .
India play their opening match against Ireland on Wednesday.
“This is the most prepared or experienced Sanju Samson who has come into this World Cup, actually,” Samson said in a video posted by BCCI on Monday.
“Ten years of lots and lots of failures, a few successes here and there. Life in cricket has taught me everything I needed to know before we reached this crucial tournament.”
A highly underrated wicket-taker, Samson, despite his prolific run with the bat in the IPL, has played just 16 ODIs and 25 T20Is.
“The IPL covered all the space in my mind, I think. There was a lot to do, there was a lot to think about being the captain of the team. I think my mind was always busy, but somewhere in the back of the mind it was there, the World Cup teams are out there too.” The 29-year-old added that being called up to represent the country at the World Cup was like a dream come true.
“It was a huge thing, actually. It was one of the best things that could have happened in my career and those thoughts are still present.” The Kerala cricketer said that despite having a remarkable season where his team topped most of the IPL table, he knew that securing a place in the Indian team was not a guarantee.
“I knew I had a reasonably good season in the IPL, which is where I have a chance of getting in. But at the same time, I knew how difficult it is. the team wants, the exact combination that our team management or the selectors are looking for,” said Samson.
“So the moment I convinced myself that ‘Sanju, you are ready’, I think life and cricket gave me back. So, that’s how I like to see things. So, it was a big moment.”
Samson said the failures and successes in his career have taught him to always look at things positively.
“I always look at things in a more positive light, even if it’s a failure or a setback, that’s when you really learn about it. When you’re young and you’re having really, really success, you actually skip some classes.
“I think I’ve been blessed to acquire some insane talent with my batting skills, which come very naturally to me, I don’t do anything specific, but I don’t know how it happens. The cricketer said that the moment he landed in New York, the IPL was completely out of his mind and he was living in the moment.
“From the moment I came here, the IPL has been completely off and it’s been a completely different stage and I’m telling myself ‘Sanju, you’re somewhere (else). I think lots and lots of people dream and so it’s like ‘Ok boss, what else do I need to do.
“I didn’t have to motivate myself; it was automatic, things were supposed to happen and were happening 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 there is no looking back. You only look forward. How can a Sanju Samson help the team win more games,” he added.
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