'I know you might be cursing me in your mind, should have played World Cup'; Sanju Samson reveals what Rohit Sharma told him

MUMBAI: Malayali cricketer Sanju Samson said that he was initially slated to play in the ICC T20 World Cup final, which India went on to win. In an interview with a YouTube channel, Sanju disclosed that the decision was changed just before the toss, despite him being asked to prepare to play.

“I had a chance to play the final. I was told to stay ready. I was. However, they decided before the toss that we would go with the same team. I was like, no worries. I was in that type of mood,” Samson said.

"During the warm-up, Rohit bhai took me aside and started explaining the reason behind such a decision. I told him, 'Let’s win the match first, and then we can talk.' A minute after walking away, he came back to me and said, 'I know you're cursing me in your mind. You don't seem happy. It feels like there's something on your mind.' After that, we had a brief conversation. As a player, I told him I wanted to play, but I also assured Rohit bhai that, regardless of the team's decision, I stand by it," Sanju said.

Sanju praised Rohit Sharma's thoughtful approach, sharing that the captain spent 10 minutes explaining why he wasn't selected for the final, leaving a lasting impression on him.