T20 WC 2026: How Sachin Tendulkar inspired award-winner Sanju Samson
What's the story
Sanju Samson, the Player of the Tournament at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup 2026, has revealed that batting legend Sachin Tendulkar played a key role in his comeback. Samson, who was earlier dropped from the Playing XI, played three back-to-back match-winning knocks. His blistering 89 against New Zealand helped India win their third title. He ended with a total of 321 runs, now the most for an Indian in a T20 World Cup edition.
Mentor's influence
Samson reveals his conversations with Tendulkar
In the post-match presentation, Samson revealed how he contacted Master Blaster Tendulkar to draw inspiration. He recalled being advised by the cricketing icon during a tour of Australia when he was part of the Indian team but didn't get to play. "For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. I reached out to him and had big big conversations with him," Samson said.
Career trajectory
A rollercoaster ride for Samson
Samson's T20I career has been a rollercoaster ride over the last year. After hammering three T20I tons, he lost his opening spot to Shubman Gill during the 2025 Asia Cup. He was then forced to bat in the middle order. Despite returning to the top, he faltered big time leading up to the T20 World Cup. Samson finally proved his critics wrong with three stellar innings, which mattered the most.
Emotional response
Out of words, emotions: Samson
After India's historic third World Cup win, Samson expressed his happiness and gratitude. He said, "Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions." He also revealed that he had been visualizing this moment for one or two years before it actually happened. He said that when he was in the 2024 World Cup team where he didn't play, he kept visualizing, kept on working and this was exactly what he wanted to do.
Records
Records set by Samson
Samson became the third player to score a half-century in the semi-finals and finals of a T20 World Cup edition. He joined Shahid Afridi (in 2009) and Virat Kohli (in 2014). Samson now has the most runs for India in a T20 World Cup edition, breaking Kohli's record. While Kohli scored 319 runs in 2014, Samson concluded the 2026 edition with 321 runs at 80.25. Samson became the third Indian to win the player-of-the-tournament award, joining Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.