T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Even if you fail, don’t give up’ - Ex-Indian captain hails Sanju Samson’s comeback

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth made a huge statement on India star Sanju Samson after the T20 World Cup 2026 final. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to be crowned champions for the third time in Ahmedabad on March 8.

Srikkanth reflected on how Samson’s journey in this World Cup is a life lesson. He was not part of the playing XI at the start of the tournament. However, when he got his opportunity, he made the most of it and went on to win the Player of the Tournament award. Samson scored 89 runs in the final and finished as India’s highest run-scorer, amassing 321 runs from just five games at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, including three fifties.

"There are two big lessons here. One - Sanju Samson. Even if you are failing, don't give up hope. When your time comes, it will take you to a different level. Two - Bumrah - how do you correct yourself, you have to do a bit of soul searching and then come back. Sanju especially, how mentally tough he is, the way he made a comeback. He did not change his game, but a little bit of a shift in mental attitude," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

"Sanju Samson, Man of the tournament, amazing for a guy who was out of the team. He came back and scored in the most important matches," he added.

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Srikkanth also lauded ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his outstanding performance. Bumrah returned with figures of 4/15 in the final against the Kiwis. He finished the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.42 and an economy rate of 6.21.

"Bumrah is the god of bowling in all formats. He analyzed himself, when to bowl the slower one, how to read the wicket. The way he plans and comes in calmly, this self-analysis is fantastic," said Srikkanth.