Former India captain Rohit Sharma has revealed details of a heartfelt conversation he had with Sanju Samson during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, encouraging the wicketkeeper-batter to remain patient despite early setbacks in the tournament.
Samson was initially left out of India’s playing XI during the early matches of the World Cup, raising concerns that his campaign might mirror the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he was part of the squad but did not play a single game.
Rohit’s encouraging message
In a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Rohit was seen reassuring Samson and reminding him that opportunities can arise at any moment in a long tournament.
“Dukhi mat ho bhai. It is a long tournament, kabhi bhi mauka aa sakta hai,” Rohit told him.
The message, which translates to “Don’t be disheartened. It’s a long tournament. Your chance can come anytime,” reflected Rohit’s belief in Samson’s abilities.
Drawing from personal experience
Rohit explained that his advice was shaped by his own experiences in international cricket.
Early in his career, Rohit himself faced disappointment when he was not selected in India’s squad for the 2011 ODI World Cup, a tournament that India eventually won.
Because of those experiences, Rohit said he could relate to the emotional challenges players face when they are left out of important matches.
“I can sometimes feel the pulse of the player. I have been in that place where chances don’t come in big tournaments,” Rohit said.
He added that it is important for players to remain focused and avoid frustration when opportunities do not come immediately.
Samson’s opportunity and remarkable response
Rohit also pointed out that Samson had been consistently playing for India before the tournament but was dropped shortly before the World Cup began.
Wanting to ensure the batter stayed mentally ready, Rohit reminded him that unexpected opportunities often arise in major tournaments.
“So I just wanted to reassure him that your chance would come. And it happened in a crucial game, where he played a blinder,” Rohit said.
Turning point in India’s campaign
When Samson eventually returned to the playing XI, he delivered a series of match-winning performances that proved decisive in India’s title-winning campaign.
His brilliant innings in the knockout stages and the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand helped India secure a 96-run victory and lift their third T20 World Cup trophy.
The episode highlighted not only Samson’s resilience but also Rohit Sharma’s mentorship, which played a key role in keeping the player motivated during a challenging phase.