'Dukhi mat ho bhai': Rohit Sharma's hug, four words that changed Sanju Samson's World Cup - WATCH
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKMarch 3, 2026
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When Sanju Samson delivered a match-winning 97 against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup, it wasn’t just a standout performance—it was the fulfillment of a promise. Earlier in the tournament, when he was benched for India’s opening game, Rohit Sharma offered him words of encouragement: “Dukhi mat ho bhai” (don’t be disheartened), emphasizing that opportunities could arise at any moment. Samson’s perseverance paid off as he went on to play a pivotal role in India’s historic 196-run chase, the highest successful run chase in World Cup history. His journey from being left out to delivering one of the most memorable knocks showcased the power of resilience and belief.
Samson’s struggles prior to the tournament were significant. After being dropped from the playing XI for the opening game, he faced criticism during a tough New Zealand series where his scores were low. However, instead of losing faith, Samson used the time to observe and learn from experienced teammates like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This period of observation allowed him to refine his skills and approach, which ultimately helped him shine when given another chance.
His return to form was dramatic. After India’s defeat to South Africa, Samson was given another opportunity, first with a fiery cameo against
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/3/2026