'Not the final innings'; Sanju Samson picks his favourite innings from T20 World Cup

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malayali player Sanju Samson had a pivotal role to play in India’s T20 World Cup triumph. The Malayali boy, who was not even in the playing eleven at the beginning of the World Cup, ended up bagging the player of the tournament award. Sanju’s three beautiful innings led India to the Cup and also upended his waning career. Sanju was at Thiruvanathapuram on Monday evening to meet the press.

Although Sanju returned home the day after winning the World Cup, the star had to attend the BCCI felicitation ceremony and other events. Sanju had managed to score three consecutive half-centuries in the World Cup. 89 runs against the Kiwis in the final, 89 runs against England in the semi-finals, and 97 not out against the West Indies in the final match of the Super Eights.

While talking to the press, Sanju said the 97 runs he scored against the Windies in the Super Eights was the best one he had personally liked. After losing to South Africa in the Super Eights, India had to win all the subsequent matches to win the cup. Sanju said that the dressing room had serious talks before the West Indies game, and many raised concerns over the top-order batting lineup stumbling early on. Sanju, however, was able to make a difference and help the team win the match with an unbeaten 97.

“Being able to play till the end of an innings and score the winning runs was a great joy and a long-standing desire”

Sanju also expressed shock and happiness over the pop from the crowd when the captain revealed his name in the squad during the toss.

“I am not yet thinking whether I would be included in the ODI squad. The World Cup tournament was a blessing. All my focus will now be on IPL,” said Sanju.