Kolkata, March 1 Sanju Samson admitted on Sunday that the thought of "what if not" kept creeping into his mind, but he repeatedly brought himself back to the present and reacted to each ball on merit, leading India to the T20 World Cup semifinals with a brilliant unbeaten 97.
Samson's 50-ball innings, featuring 12 fours and four sixes for an unbeaten 97, proved decisive as India defeated the West Indies by five wickets and four balls to spare.
"There is always a question, what if not? So, definitely, that keeps playing in your mind," Samson told the broadcaster after the match.
"But when that thought keeps coming, I just focus on the present moment and look at the ball and trust myself to react accordingly. I think that worked out pretty well today."
Samson said he has learned to approach chases from greats like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni.
"I have been playing this format for a very long time. I think playing IPL for around 10 to 12 years and playing for the country for the last 10 years, I have learned a lot. But, looking from the dugout, learning from greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, I have seen how they play," he said.
"It's very important to observe and learn from them. I think that really helped me. With my experience, I have played maybe 50 or 60 games, but I have seen around 100 games and I have seen how the greatest players have finished the games and how they change their game according to the situation."
Samson said it was "one of the best days of his life" as his 97 not out is now the second-highest individual score for India in the T20 World Cup, after Suresh Raina's 101 against South Africa in the 2010 edition.
"It means the whole world to me. Right from the day I started playing, I started dreaming to play for the country, I think this is the day I was waiting for," he said.
"I am very grateful and thankful. I have always had a special journey with lots of ups and downs, but I have kept doubting myself, kept on thinking, what if, what if, can I make it, can I make it?"
"But I kept believing, and thanks to the Lord Almighty for blessing me today. I think this is one of the greatest days of my life," Samson said.
