Team India created history after lifting their third T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in a commanding final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8. With the victory, India became the first team ever to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title on home soil. Leading India's campaign in the latter stages of the event was Sanju Samson, who delivered mesmerising performances to power India to the title win. 

The wicketkeeper-batter remained in extraordinary form throughout the tournament, winning the Player of the Tournament award. Across five innings, Samson produced 321 runs at an astonishing average of 80.25 and a blistering strike rate of 199.37. His brilliant batting included 27 boundaries and 24 sixes. His tally made him the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, but for India it was historic. 

Samson surpassed the previous record for most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition, previously held by Virat Kohli, who scored 319 runs during the 2014 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. With his fearless and composed approach, Samson also surpassed the previous record for most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition, previously held by Virat Kohli, who scored 319 runs during the 2014 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Following India’s title-winning campaign, Samson spoke about his strong connection with India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. According to Samson, their relationship goes back several years and has played a significant role in his development.

“Gauti bhai and I have a very old relationship. I think I met him when I was in KKR. He was the captain of the team, and he also lives in Delhi. I also played in the same academy where he was…so it’s a very long relationship, and what has happened from there till now, I think cannot be expressed in words,” Samson said during a media interaction.

Samson, who is now gearing up to represent Chennai Super Kings in the 19th edition of the IPL, also revealed that he received a message from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, which was quite an emotional moment for him. 

“I got a message from Sachin, sir. It was a very emotional message for me,” said Samson.