Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed how guidance from former World Cup winners played a key role in his preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The India opener shared that legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and former India batter Robin Uthappa personally reached out to him ahead of the tournament and offered valuable advice.

Samson, who emerged as India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament despite featuring in only five matches, said the opportunity to learn from experienced World Cup winners was something he could not ignore.

“Yuvi paaji called me and said, ‘Yaar, the World Cup is coming for you. I think you should spend some time with me, it will really help,’” Sanju Samson told India Today.

The Kerala-born cricketer added that both Yuvraj and Uthappa took the initiative to guide him before the global event.

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“Yuvi paaji and Robin bhai both reached out, and I spent time with both of them. They have won two or three World Cups for India, they have done what we are trying to do. So I went and gave them the respect they deserved and learned whatever they had to share,” he said.

While Uthappa and Samson share a connection through domestic cricket in Kerala, several young Indian players have often credited Yuvraj Singh for mentoring them during crucial stages of their careers.

Samson also revealed that another iconic figure, Sachin Tendulkar, remained in constant touch with him during the tournament. The batting legend offered guidance when Samson was waiting for his opportunities during the competition.

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“When I was outside, sitting outside in Australia, I was not playing a game. So, I thought about, ‘Okay, what is the mindset required now?’ So, I reached out to sir (Tendulkar), and I had huge, huge big conversations with him,” Sanju Samson explained. “Right yesterday also, he called me up to check how I was feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him — what more can I ask for? That clarity, game preparation, game awareness and game sense… I’m very grateful for everyone who supported me.”

Following his impressive World Cup campaign, Samson is now set to return to franchise cricket with Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.