No Phones, no social media, just cricket: How Sanju Samson found himself again

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sanju Samson recently opened up about his journey from the lowest point of his career to becoming a World Cup hero in just a matter of weeks. Reflecting on his transformation, Sanju shared that he left Thiruvananthapuram after the final match of the New Zealand series filled with disappointment, unaware of the major shift that was about to occur.

"To be honest, once I regained my form, I even started wondering if it was the same person batting," the star revealed.

"I left my hometown feeling quite worried before the World Cup," Sanju admitted. "Despite the incredible support I received, I hadn't been performing the way I hoped. But it seems a bigger event was planned by the one above. When I left Thiruvananthapuram, I turned off my phone and stayed off social media. Only my wife and a close friend were by my side."

While receiving his Player of the Tournament award, Sanju credited Sachin Tendulkar as a vital mentor, noting that the legend's advice helped him navigate his slump. However, the Malayali star emphasized that his greatest source of strength was ultimately himself.

"I started practicing at the medical college ground at the age of 10. I’ve played Under-19 and Ranji Trophy; I have years of experience to lean on. I sat down and asked myself how to handle this situation and how to climb back out," Sanju said.

He concluded with a grounded perspective, adding that he has faced far more failures than successes in his life, and it is that resilience that continues to define him.