India’s team has been preparing for their first 2024 T20 World Cup match against Ireland to be held at Nassau County Stadium in New York on June 5, and wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson is confident about his readiness to participate in the T20 showpiece event.
Samson had an air of quiet self-confidence about him, noting that the tournament might test his abilities.
“Actually this is perhaps the best prepared ever Sanju Samson coming into a World Cup. Ten years of lot of failures, some successes here and there, life and cricket have taught me enough before this important tournament,” said Samson in a video interview posted by BCCI.
Samson was named captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) after his best ever batting performance during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 which saw him top-scored consistently throughout the competition
He ended with 531 runs off just 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.47 & claimed fifth place on the ultimate Orange Cap table.
Samson confessed that amidst IPL pressure he couldn’t stop thinking about his chances for selection for upcoming world cup .
“My mind was completely occupied with the IPL itself; it was so much, so many things to do, so much to think about. I always had stuff on my mind as captain [of RR]. But somewhere in my mind because there were also World Cup selections around, it was big.”
Reflecting on recent form with bat in hand, Samson admitted being overly aggressive trying to make every shot count may have played its part in earning him a place in the World Cup squad but he remained cautious and aware of possible selection issues too.
“That recurring stroke we keep playing is one of the good things that can happen to my career; knowing I’ve probably had a decent season at IPL where I still got chances ahead. Nevertheless though I understand how hard it would be. It depends on the team requirements and what they are looking for in terms of combinations by the selectors and management,” he added.
“As soon as I pushed myself, Sanju, you are ready; that is when life and cricket gave me back. So that’s how I like to look at it – another great moment,” Samson concluded.
However, with Rishabh Pant also in good form, it remains to be seen whether Samson will get a chance to play any matches during the T20 World Cup.
