Sanju Samson recently told Vimal Kumar in an interview that he was initially in the squad to play for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, however, Rohit Sharma changed the plan at the last minute.

He revealed that he was almost certain to play in the final against South Africa in Barbados, but in the end, he was left out just before the draw when the team decided to stick with the same XI. Samson shared that he had an emotional conversation with captain Rohit about the sudden decision.

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“I had the opportunity to play in the final. They told me to stay prepared. I was ready. However, before the draw they decided that we would go with the same team. I was like, don’t worry. I was in that kind of mood,” Samson told Vimal Kumar in an interview.

Samson shared that Rohit Sharma approached him during the warm-ups before the final to inform him about his exclusion from the playing XI. Later, Rohit chatted again, trying to explain the reasoning behind the decision.

“During the warm-up, Rohit took me aside and started explaining to me why he makes that decision. He said: You understand, don’t you? Do you know his style, very casual? I told him: ‘Let’s win the game and then let’s talk.’ You focus on the game.”

“He came back a minute later and said, ‘I know you’re mentally cursing me.’ I think you’re not happy. I feel like you have something on your mind. Then we had a discussion. I told him, ‘As a player, I want to play,’ Sanju added.

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Samson did not feature in a single game as India opted for Rishabh Pant as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman throughout the tournament. It marked Pant’s return to the national team after his car accident, and he batted at number three in all eight matches. Along with Samson, his Rajasthan Royals teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yuzvendra Chahal were also left unused in the tournament.

Samson regrets missing chance to play in World Cup final under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy

Samson expressed that his only regret was missing out on the opportunity to play in a World Cup final under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. He added that Rohit spent time with him before the toss, instead of focusing on the players in the XI, which touched him deeply.

“Since I was little I wanted to come here and do something. Then he said, ‘My pattern is like this’ and all that. I said I totally respect that you came and explained to me. I said: ‘I will regret it; I couldn’t play in a World Cup final with a leader like you. In my heart I will regret missing a World Cup final with a leader like Rohit Sharma. That will remain in my life,” Sanju said.

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