T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson reveals what Rohit Sharma told him after final snub

Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson revealed that he was set to play in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa but the Indian playing XI was changed just moments before the toss against South Africa.

Samson, who had been preparing to feature in the match against South Africa in Barbados, revealed that captain Rohit Sharma personally informed him of the decision and spent time explaining the reasoning behind it.

Samson, who did not play in any matches throughout the tournament, had been told to stay ready for the final. However, in a last-minute decision, India opted to retain the same XI that had played in the earlier stages of the knockout rounds.

Speaking to journalist Vimal Kumar, Samson said, “I had a chance to play the final. I was told to stay ready. I was ready. However, they decided before the toss that we would go with the same team. I was like, no worries. I was in that type of mood.” Samson expressed his disappointment, saying his only regret was missing the opportunity to play a World Cup final under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.

What stood out to Samson was Rohit’s gesture of taking the time to explain the decision personally, even with the high stakes of a World Cup final. “He spent at least 10 minutes with me before the toss. That touched my heart. Since childhood, I wanted to come here and do something. Then he was like, ‘My pattern is like this’ and all that. I said I totally respect that you came and explained to me.”

Despite his disappointment, Samson emphasized his respect for Rohit’s leadership. “I told him, ‘I will have a regret; I could not play a World Cup final with a leader like you.’ This will be a regret in my heart that I missed a World Cup final with a leader like Rohit Sharma.”

India had relied on Rishabh Pant as their wicketkeeper-batter throughout the tournament. Pant, making a return to international cricket after recovering from a serious injury, contributed crucial runs in the group stages but struggled to make a significant impact in the later stages, including the final. Despite Pant’s mixed performances, the team management stuck with the same lineup for the Super Six stage and the knockout rounds, including the final.

Samson recalled how Rohit approached him during the warm-ups before the final to break the news of his exclusion. “During the warm-up, Rohit took me to the side and started to explain to me why he was making that decision. He was like, ‘You understood, na? You know his way, very casual?’ I told him, ‘Let us win the match and then talk. You focus on the match.'”

However, Rohit returned shortly after to check on Samson’s feelings. Samson recalled, “He came back one minute later and said, ‘I know you are cursing me in your mind.’ I think you are not happy. I feel like you have something on your mind.’ Then we had a discussion. I told him, ‘As a player, I w