‘This is the day I was waiting for’: Sanju Samson’s emotional confession after heroics vs West Indies
Always under scrutiny and often questioned about his place in the team, Sanju Samson described his victory night as the moment he had always dreamed of – a reward for years of trust amid uncertainty and self-doubt.
“Actually, it means the world to me. I think since the day I started playing, when I started dreaming of playing for the country, I think this is the day I have been waiting for. And I am very grateful, very grateful,” Sanju said after his decisive knock.
Reflecting on his journey, he recognized the inner struggles that accompanied his rise.
“And I always had a very special journey with a lot of ups and downs, but I kept doubting myself, I kept thinking, what if, what if, can I make it, can I make it? But I kept believing and I thank the Lord Almighty for blessing me today. So I’m very happy.”
Sanju credited his years of experience in the format – both playing and watching – for shaping his understanding of how to handle pressure situations.
“Yes, I think that’s why I have been playing this format for a very long time. I think playing in IPL for 10-12 years and playing for the country for 10 years, I have not been playing, but watching from the dugout, learning from the greats like Virat Kohli, from Rohit Sharma, like all the greats.”
He stressed the importance of observation and learning, even during phases when he was not a regular in the playing XI.
“I think it’s very important to observe and learn and see what they were doing. I think that really helped me, I think with my experience I only played maybe 50, 60 games, but I saw about 100 games and saw how the bigger guys finished the games and how they change their game depending on the game.”
Explaining the contrast between different match situations, Sanju highlighted how adaptability is essential in T20 cricket.
“So I think the last match we batted first, so it was about setting up a very high score. So that’s how I wanted to go big from the first ball. But this match was completely different. I think as soon as I wanted to go a little bit higher, we were losing wickets. So I think I wanted to build a partnership, I wanted to keep focusing on my process.”
He insisted he was not looking to achieve any big goals, but was simply focusing on his role.
“And I never thought I would do anything special like this, but I was just focusing on my role and just taking one ball at a time and I’m very grateful. I think it’s one of the best days of my life.”
Sanju also admitted that even amidst the crowd’s support and momentum, doubt can set in.
“Yeah, for sure they bring a lot of energy and a lot of support. But I think on the other hand, there’s always a question, what if? So that keeps playing on your mind.”
His solution, he explained, was to stay grounded in the present.
“But when that thought kept coming, I brought myself back to the present moment, just looked at the ball and trusted myself to react based on the merit of the ball. So I think it worked pretty well today.”
