Sanju Samson’s resurgence in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been one of the standout stories of India’s campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter recently opened up about the difficult phase he endured during the T20I series against New Zealand and how stepping back mentally helped him rediscover his best form. Ahead of the World Cup, Samson struggled to find rhythm in the five-match series against New Zealand.

Determined to cement his place in India’s playing XI, the Kerala batter admitted he tried too hard to make an impact, which ultimately affected his natural game. The lack of runs saw him fall behind in the pecking order, with Ishan Kishan opening alongside Abhishek Sharma at the start of the tournament.

However, Samson’s fortunes changed once he was brought back into the XI to break the chain of left-handers in India’s batting order. The experienced batter seized the opportunity and delivered consecutive half-centuries. His most memorable knock came in the semifinal against England in Mumbai, where he smashed a fluent 89 off just 42 balls to power India to a formidable total.

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Reflecting on his struggles during the New Zealand series, Samson admitted that the phase was mentally challenging. “I think that was very challenging for me. I definitely wanted to come and do what I am trying to do now for the country, contribute and win games in the (T20) World Cup,” Sanju Samson said in the post-match press conference.

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BOWLERS HELD THEIR NERVE 🔥

Bumrah & Hardik iced the final overs when England were flying.

As Sanju Samson said calm under pressure wins semis.

Final awaits. 👀#3rdManView #T20WorldCup2026 #INDvENG

— Third Man View (@3rdManView) March 6, 2026

“But I think I was trying a bit too much in the New Zealand series. I wanted to make an impact and get into the playing XI of the World Cup here. But I think this cricket (T20s) can get very funny,” he added.

The 31-year-old revealed that returning to the basics of his game was key to regaining confidence.

“I had to respect the game. I had to come back to my basics, work a bit more from my basics. I think a lot of work went really well,” Sanju Samson said. He also explained how reducing outside noise helped him stay focused.

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“When hard times were coming, I think my close people, the people whom I love, who I support, were with me and I closed all my windows. I even shut down my phone,” he said. “I wasn’t on social media. I am still not on social media. So less noise, fewer people interacting with me. That really helped me to focus in the right direction,” Samson added.