Suryakumar Yadav has revealed what Sanju Samson told him after the wicketkeeper-batter was left out of India’s playing XI during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Samson was overlooked in the opening matches as India opted for the in-form Ishan Kishan, with Suryakumar admitting that the decision was one of the toughest calls he made as captain. Speaking to former India cricketer Aakash Chopra on YouTube, Suryakumar recalled how Samson responded to the decision and the confidence he had placed in the batter before the tournament.
Suryakumar recalls Samson’s selfless response
Suryakumar revealed that he spoke to Samson on the team bus before leaving him out of the playing XI. The India batter said Samson responded positively and made it clear that he would support whatever decision was taken for the team’s success.
“We were on the bus, and I told him that it was going to be difficult with how it was going. He told me just one thing: do whatever you feel is right to make this team win the World Cup. He said he is there whenever I need him, as he will prepare as if he were going to play. I gained a lot of confidence hearing that. Aise bhi log hote hain life mein (There are people like this too),” Suryakumar said.
Suryakumar also recalled assuring Samson of a consistent run in T20Is after he struggled during India’s 2024 tour of Sri Lanka. He said he had backed the batter during the Duleep Trophy in Anantapur and promised him an extended opportunity.
“That was my toughest call because I knew that he was a good person. We went to Sri Lanka in 2024, and he did not score a lot of runs there. He asked me what he should do. We were playing the Duleep Trophy in Anantapur. I told him I had confidence in him and that the coach had shown it as well. I assured him that he would play the next seven matches, and even if he scored seven ducks, he would still play the eighth,” he added
Suryakumar also recalled another major decision involving his batting position and Tilak Varma. During India’s tour of South Africa in 2024, Tilak asked to bat at No. 3, a position Suryakumar had been occupying. Suryakumar said coach VVS Laxman initially wanted him to continue at No. 3, but he eventually gave up the position after recognising Tilak’s desire to take on the responsibility.
“We were playing in South Africa, and he told me, ‘Aap bhej do na mujhe teen number pe (Please send me at No. 3).’ I told him that I would ask VVS sir, who was our coach in the series. VVS sir told me that he thinks I should bat at No. 3 and take that responsibility. I replied that I would love to take that responsibility, but I could see something in his eye that he wanted to do something,” he concluded
Tilak was subsequently promoted to No. 3 and made an immediate impact, scoring an unbeaten 107 off 56 balls in the third T20I before following it up with an unbeaten 120 off 47 balls in the fourth match.
