“There are people like this too”: Suryakumar Yadav Recalls Sanju Samson’s Classy Reaction to Being Dropped
The road to India’s historic 2026 T20 World Cup title was paved with difficult decisions, but few were as challenging for captain Suryakumar Yadav as the one involving Sanju Samson. In a candid interview, the former Indian skipper opened up about the emotional complexity of managing team selection and the remarkable grace shown by Samson when he was left out of the starting XI.
A Difficult Decision Rooted in Trust
At the onset of the World Cup, Samson found himself on the sidelines. Despite his immense talent, a lean patch had led the team management to prefer Ishan Kishan at the top of the order following his impressive showing against New Zealand.
For Suryakumar, leaving Samson out was particularly painful because of the personal bond and professional promises he had previously shared with the wicketkeeper-batter. During the 2024 tour of Sri Lanka, when Samson struggled for runs, Suryakumar had personally offered him reassurance.
“That was my toughest call because I knew what a good person he is,” Suryakumar told Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel. “I told him back then that the coach and I had total confidence in him. I assured him he would get a long run—even if he scored seven ducks in a row, he would still play the eighth match.”
The “Incredible” Response
Faced with the reality of being dropped during the World Cup, one might have expected frustration or disappointment from a player of Samson’s caliber. Instead, he displayed a level of maturity that left his captain stunned.
“We were on the team bus, and I told him it was a difficult situation,” Suryakumar recalled. “He told me just one thing: ‘Do whatever you feel is right to make this team win the World Cup. I am here whenever you need me, and I will prepare as if I am playing.’ I gained a lot of confidence hearing that. Aise bhi log hote hain life mein (There are people like this too in life).”
From the Sidelines to World Cup Hero
Samson’s patience eventually paid off. Following a sluggish team start and injury concerns surrounding Abhishek Sharma, Samson was drafted back into the side. He didn’t just fill a gap; he ignited the team’s campaign.
Demonstrating his class when it mattered most, Samson delivered back-to-back match-winning performances in the knockout stages. He concluded the tournament as the Player of the Tournament, amassing 321 runs in five innings at a staggering average of 80.25 and a blistering strike rate of 199.38.
An Uncertain Path Forward
Despite his pivotal role in the World Cup victory and a solid IPL season where he scored 477 runs, Samson’s international future remains a subject of debate. Following brief struggles on tours to Ireland and England, he found himself in and out of the squad, highlighting the ruthless competition within the Indian ranks.
While his place in the setup remains fluid, Samson’s performance on the biggest stage and his selfless attitude behind the scenes have cemented his reputation as a ultimate team player. As he looks toward the upcoming Asian Games, fans and selectors alike will be watching to see if this World Cup hero can finally secure a permanent spot in the Indian XI.
