Kamal Ghorui
For someone who was looked at as dispensable not too long ago, Sanju Samson is suddenly in demand. One day, he is addressing conclaves and attending awards in New Delhi, the next day, he is flying back home to Thiruvanthapuram for an event. Just like the team desperately wanted him back as an opener, to break the stranglehold that off-spinners were having on the left-handers, everyone wants Samson. He will soon jet off to Chennai for IPL duties with the Chennai Super Kings. Describing the epochal victory as far more than just a sporting milestone, Samson called the win a deeply “spiritual experience.”Big words for someone who is looked at as a happygo-lucky character and, by his own admission, “not very emotional”. For Samson, one of the most memorable moments at the World Cup came quietly inside the dressing room after India’s crucial Super Eights win over the West Indies. “After the win against the West Indies, I created a spiritual place of my own in the dressing room and also offered a personal prayer,” Samson told reporters at an event here.
A victory beyond cricket
Describing India’s World Cup triumph as far more than just a sporting achievement, Samson called the experience deeply spiritual.“It was a spiritual moment. When you win something as big as the World Cup with your country, it feels like something greater than just sport,” Samson said during a recent event. The tournament lived up to its tagline “Feel The Thrill”, delivering electrifying powerplays, dramatic finishes and passionate crowds cheering “India! India!” from packed stadiums.One of Samson’s most memorable moments during the tournament came after India’s Super Eight victory against the West Indies national cricket team. “After the win against the West Indies, I created a spiritual place of my own in the dressing room and said a personal prayer,” he revealed.
Overcoming self-doubt
“I wasn’t very confident when I left home to play in the World Cup, but the universe had other plans,” he said. “The 97 not out against the West Indies was the most important innings for me because I had to stay calm even as wickets kept falling at the other end.”Samson also recalled an emotional moment after the final with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, one of the keeper-batter’s biggest backers. “Gauti bhai and I share a close relationship. He didn’t say much… he just hugged me for about 30 seconds. That was enough,” Samson said.
New chapter with Chennai Super Kings
Samson is now preparing for the next phase of his career with Chennai Super Kings, where he will share the dressing room with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni.“I have spoken with Mahi bhai a lot and have seen him on and off in the Indian team. But this will be the first time we spend two months together. There is a lot of excitement,” Samson explained.Interestingly, his first match in the yellow jersey will come against his former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals. “On the field, I don’t allow emotions to take over. I will always give my best for the team I represent,” he added.For Samson, cricket is about much more than trophies and personal milestones. The Indian star says he carries the dreams of countless youngsters every time he walks onto the field.
