‘10 Years of Lots and Lots of Failures’: Sanju Samson Opens Up on Not Playing a Single T20 World Cup Match
AFP
With the T20 World Cup 2026 drawing closer, selection debates within the Indian team are intensifying. While several spots in the squad look settled, a few positions remain fiercely competitive. Among the names caught in this selection churn is Sanju Samson, who has spoken candidly about his long journey and the disappointment of not playing a single match in multiple T20 World Cups.
Samson’s World Cup Frustration
Sanju Samson was part of India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 squad but did not feature in the Playing XI even once. Despite being in the setup for years and debuting for India back in 2015, Samson is yet to play a T20 World Cup match — a reality he admits has been difficult to process.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Samson reflected on his journey, calling it “10 years of lots and lots of failures, with a few successes here and there.” He said missing out on games in 2024 did not align with his personal expectations, though he remained grateful to be part of the 15-member squad.
Selection Headaches for Team India
India’s team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, faces tough calls. While players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are automatic picks, competition among batters has intensified.
Samson’s position has been challenged by the return of Ishan Kishan, while earlier the comeback of Shubman Gill also disrupted his role. Despite this, Samson’s recent form as an opener has been exceptional.
Form That Demands Attention
In 2024, Samson became the first Indian to score back-to-back T20 centuries and finished the year with three hundreds. He also holds India’s highest T20I partnership record alongside Tilak Varma — achievements that strengthen his case for 2026.
Our Thoughts
Sanju Samson’s story reflects the harsh reality of elite-level cricket, where timing and team balance can matter as much as talent. Despite years of setbacks, his resilience and recent consistency make a strong case for inclusion. If form truly becomes the selection benchmark, it will be difficult for the team management to overlook him again. For Samson, the 2026 World Cup could finally be about opportunity matching perseverance.
