Suryakumar Yadav explains the series of events that paved the way for Sanju Samson’s return to India’s Playing XI

In the semifinal against England, Sanju Samson was dropped on 15 by England captain Harry Brook, and he ended up hammering 89 off 42 balls.

Updated on: Mar 7, 2026, 22:00:42 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The latter phase of the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup is turning out to be a story of redemption for Sanju Samson. The Indian opener didn't start India's campaign, and was included in the playing XI during the Super 8 stage. He justified the decision by registering scores of 97* not out against the West Indies and then a match-winning 89 vs England in the semifinal. Commenting on Samson's return to the playing XI, India captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed the batter and pointed out that 'he is reaping the benefits of his hard work'.

Suryakumar Yadav spoke about Sanju Samson's return to the India playing XI. (PTI/ANI)

He was in poor form in the bilateral series against New Zealand before the tournament, which led to him getting dropped. He didn't start in the group stage, except for the game against Namibia after Abhishek Sharma suffered a stomach infection.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav takes down Mitchell Santner's ‘Ahmedabad crowd silent’ remark: ‘Sab same line chipka rahe hai’

Suryakumar Yadav explains Sanju Samson's return

Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of the final against New Zealand, Suryakumar said, “I feel the tough calls, the head coach and I, do it together.”

"We see how the team will benefit and which player we should add, depending on factors like match-ups. Regarding Sanju's inclusion, we saw that in the bilateral series, the combination of Sanju, Ishan and Abhishek batting in the top worked, and so we roped him in. Sanju worked very hard, and even wh he wasn't playing, he did everything for the team. He is reaping the benefits of his hard work."

In the semifinal, Samson was dropped on 15 by England captain Harry Brook, and he ended up hammering 89 off 42 balls, including seven sixes.

Samson's resurgence has also led to his inclusion in the nominations list for the Player of the Tournament award. He is the only Indian on the shortlist, alongside England's Will Jacks, Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan, South Africa's Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert, and USA's Shadley van Schalkwyk.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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