Thiruvananthapuram, March 16 – Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper-batsman from India who led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup, said on Monday that the current Indian team prioritizes collective success over individual achievements, which is a key approach adopted by the leadership group in the dressing room.
Speaking to reporters here, the Man of the Tournament in India’s title-winning team against New Zealand, said the emphasis within the team has been on winning matches rather than achieving personal records.
"Everyone is thinking that way now. Our captain and coach made this decision in the dressing room. The message from our leaders is that the team should come first, and individual achievements should come second," Samson said.
He added that this approach has been reinforced among the players.
"This has been ingrained in each of us, and that's how we approach every game," he said.
Samson said he has always preferred to stay true to himself while playing cricket and believes contributing to the team's success is the most important aspect of the game.
"Honestly, I think that's the true nature of things. I never wanted to be selfish. I believe I have always wanted to contribute to the team's success," he said.
The cricketer from Kerala said he has viewed cricket as a team sport since his early days representing Kerala in age-group tournaments.
"From the time I played for Kerala in Under-13 tournaments until now, I see cricket as a team sport. We play to win. For that victory, everything should be geared towards helping the team," he said.
Samson also spoke about his responsibility as a cricketer from Kerala representing the country at the highest level, noting that many young players closely follow his career.
"Many young players and people from different fields look up to me. When they see me struggling in the Indian team, they feel that it's not possible for someone from this place to achieve success," he said.
Samson said that this thought motivated him to prove that players from Kerala could also succeed on cricket's biggest stage.
"I felt that I needed to prove something. A player from Kerala, from Trivandrum, could also perform on the biggest stage of cricket," Samson said.
According to him, his recent performances have encouraged many youngsters in the state to dream bigger.
Samson said his immediate focus is on performing well in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Speaking about sharing the dressing room with former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings, Samson said he is excited about the opportunity to play alongside the veteran cricketer.
"It's the first time we will be playing together as a team. It's an exciting opportunity," he said.
"It will be an opportunity to learn from him," Samson added.
Regarding playing against the Rajasthan Royals, Samson said it would be an unusual experience for him as it would be the first time he faces his former IPL team.
"I don't think much about emotions on the ground as the situation dictates the game. But certainly before and after the match, there will be emotions as there are players and support staff with whom I have shared a long association," he said.
Samson said every player goes through a phase with a team, and he left Rajasthan Royals, believing his time there had come to an end.
Samson also revealed that he received several congratulatory messages following his recent performances, including one from batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.
"I received messages and calls from many people. I received a message from Sachin sir, which was a very emotional moment for me," he said.
Samson also recalled an emotional meeting with India head coach Gautam Gambhir after his performances.
"It was a very tight hug which lasted for 30 seconds. The feeling was very pure and very great," he added.
Recalling one of his memorable innings during the World Cup campaign, Samson said his 97-run knock against West Indies was particularly special.
"For me, the 97 was very special. The match against West Indies was the most crucial," he said.
He said the innings came during a crucial phase of the tournament when India needed successive wins.
"While chasing, I tried to build a partnership from one end. Wickets kept falling and the pressure kept building, but we managed it properly and got the winning shot in the end," he said.
Reflecting on the celebrations after India’s World Cup victory, Samson recalled a brief interaction with commentator Harsha Bhogle.
"He came and told me that honesty and hard work will definitely reward you. That was a very touching moment for me," Samson said.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honoured Samson for his crucial contribution to India’s T20 World Cup victory during the inauguration of the Kerala Cricket Association’s new cricket ground at Mangalapuram.
Vijayan described Samson as a shining symbol of Kerala’s cricketing talent and a source of pride for Malayalis.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also honoured Samson at Lok Bhavan by presenting him with a shawl, a kasavu mundu, an idol of Lord Padmanabhaswamy and the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar, "Playing It My Way".