“He Helped Me Develop”: Sanju Samson credits Sachin Tendulkar after winning Player of the Tournament award in T20 World Cup 2026

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

After the tournament, Sanju Samson shared his feelings after winning the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian opener said that the guidance of Sachin Tendulkar helped him during a difficult phase in his career.

Samson became emotional while receiving the award from Ian Bishop at the Narendra Modi Stadium after India’s big win over New Zealand in the final on March 8.

Samson said he felt very disappointed earlier this year when he was dropped from India’s playing XI after poor performances in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026. However, he said things later changed and he believed that fate had other plans for him. He also spoke about his conversations with senior players during the tournament and gave special credit to Sachin Tendulkar. Samson said he stayed in regular contact with Tendulkar, and his advice helped him improve his mindset and confidence.

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Sanju Samson Credits Sachin Tendulkar for Guidance After T20 World Cup Success

Sanju Samson said the guidance of Sachin Tendulkar played a big role in helping him during difficult times in his career.

Speaking after India’s T20 World Cup victory, Samson said he stayed in regular contact with the legendary cricketer and often spoke to him about mindset and preparation.

“I have been in constant touch with Sachin Tendulkar sir. When I was sitting outside the team in Australia and not getting a game, I wondered what mindset I needed. So I reached out to him and had long conversations. Even yesterday he called me to check how I was feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him – what more can I ask for? He helped me develop clarity and game awareness. I am very grateful to those who supported me,” Samson said.

Samson was one of India’s best players in the must-win matches of the tournament. He played important innings and helped the team in crucial moments.

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The wicketkeeper-batter said the award and the success still feel unreal to him.

“It feels like a dream. I am very happy and very grateful. I am full of emotions and it feels a bit surreal,” Samson said.

He also spoke about the difficult time earlier in his career. Samson said he had missed chances in the past but continued to believe in himself.

“In the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies, I didn’t get a single game. I kept dreaming about performing like this one day. I knew I had to work hard. By God’s grace, things have turned around,” he said.

Samson added that he felt very disappointed after the series against New Zealand earlier this year.

“After the New Zealand series I felt broken. I thought my dreams had shattered and wondered what else I could do. But God had different plans. I got another chance in important matches and did what I could for my country. I am proud that I kept the courage to dream,” he added.

At the start of the tournament, Samson was not part of India’s playing XI after a poor series against New Zealand. However, he later got another chance and made the most of it.

He first showed signs of returning to form in the must-win match against Zimbabwe. Later, he played a brilliant unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a difficult chase to help India reach the semifinals.

In the semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Samson scored a powerful 89 to help India post a huge total.

In the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Samson once again delivered with 89 runs, setting the platform for India’s record total and helping the team lift the T20 World Cup trophy.