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Sanju Samson Reveals "Very Old Relationship" With Coach Gambhir After T20 WC Triumph

Sanju Samson, Player of the Tournament in the 2026 T20 World Cup, revealed his deep-rooted, long-standing relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir, dating back to their time together at KKR. He also shared receiving an emotional message from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar following India's historic title defense. Samson amassed 321 runs in the tournament, surpassing Virat Kohli's record for the most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition. The wicketkeeper-batter emphasized playing to win as a team while staying true to himself, marking a remarkable comeback to become India's leading run-scorer in the championship.

Key Points: Samson on Bond With Gambhir, Tendulkar Message After T20 WC Win

  • Samson's historic 321-run T20 WC campaign
  • Reveals emotional message from Sachin Tendulkar
  • Credits long bond with coach Gautam Gambhir
  • Stresses on being himself and team success
3 min read

"Gauti bhai and I have a very old relationship": Samson on head coach Gambhir after T20 WC win

Sanju Samson opens up on his long-standing bond with coach Gautam Gambhir and a special message from Sachin Tendulkar after India's T20 World Cup 2026 victory.

"Gauti bhai and I have a very old relationship. - Sanju Samson"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 16

Indian cricketer and Player of the Tournament of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Sanju Samson, said he has a 'very old relationship with India head coach Gautam Gambhir'.

Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, Samson said, "Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and I have a very old relationship. I think I met him when I was in KKR. He was the captain of the team and he also lives in Delhi. I also played in the same academy where he was...so it's a very long relationship and what has happened from there till now, I think cannot be expressed in words."

Samson amassed 321 runs in five innings in the tournament at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, hitting 27 fours and 24 sixes and ended as the third-highest run-getter in the T20 WC. He also surpassed Virat Kohli's total of 319 runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup edition to have the most runs by an Indian during a single T20 World Cup edition.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter also revealed that he got a message from the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. "I got a message from Sachin, sir. It was a very emotional message for me," said Samson.

Team India made history by securing a record-breaking third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first-ever team to defend the title and win it as a home nation following a brilliant 96-run win in the final over New Zealand at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.

Samson scripted a comeback for ages during the recently-concluded T20 World Cup as he battled inconsistency and benching to emerge as India's leading run-getter in the tournament, delivering clutch performances when it mattered the most, with a string of half-centuries from the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies to the title clash against New Zealand.

Samson stressed that he always wanted to be himself and has always looked at cricket as a team sport.

"I never wanted to be selfless. I've always wanted to be myself. So I bring a lot of different qualities, a lot of strengths, a lot of weaknesses. I like to look at cricket as a team sport. So I think we play to win. And looking at what things have happened in my life lately, I definitely carry a lot of dreams with me. So a lot of youngsters, a lot of people, not even in cricket, a lot of people in different careers, they look at me like their own careers, like their own life," Samson concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, this win feels extra special because it was at home. Samson's innings were a treat to watch. That strike rate of nearly 200 is insane! The future looks bright with this team.
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Priya S
His humility is so refreshing. "I never wanted to be selfless. I've always wanted to be myself." What a powerful statement. It's okay to have your own identity while being a team player. More power to you, Sanju! 👏
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Vikram M
Breaking Kohli's record from 2014 is no small feat. That was a legendary tournament from Virat. Samson has truly arrived on the world stage. Hope he gets a consistent run in all formats now.
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Rohit P
While I'm thrilled about the win, I do hope the team management gives chances based on consistent domestic performance too, not just IPL form. That said, Samson fully deserved his spot and delivered. Well played!
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Kavya N
Getting a message from Sachin sir must be the ultimate dream for any Indian cricketer! That's the real "cup" for any player. So proud of the entire team. Defending the title at home is historic! 🏏

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