Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson recently shared his experiences during the 2024 T20 World Cup. He shed light on captain Rohit Sharma's last-minute decision-making before the final against South Africa.

Sanju Samson and Rohit SharmaAlthough the Kerala--born had not featured in the playing XI throughout the tournament, he was on the brink of making his first appearance in the final. Needless to say, a sudden change in plans saw him sidelined again as India went ahead with the same team that had reached the final.

Ultimately, India clinched the trophy by securing a narrow seven-run victory over South Africa and added their second title to their elusive trophy cabinet.

In a recent interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, as reported by Hindustan Times, the Indian cricketer recalled his conversation with captain Rohit before the crucial game.

"During the warm-up, Rohit took me to the side and started to explain to me why he was making that decision. He was like, 'You understood, na? You know his way, very casual?' I told him, 'Let us win the match and then talk. You focus on the match.' He came back one minute later and said, 'I know you are cursing me in your mind. I think you are not happy. I feel like you have something on your mind.' Then we had a discussion. I told him, 'As a player, I want to play.' I had a chance to play the final. I was told to stay ready. I was ready. However, they decided before the toss that we would go with the same team. I was like, no worries. I was in that type of mood."

Samson further added that not playing a World Cup final under the leadership of Rohit Sharma would be a regret that he would carry throughout his life.

“Since childhood, I wanted to come here and do something. Then he was like, ‘My pattern is like this,’ and all that. I said I totally respect that you came and explained to me. I said, ‘I will have a regret; I could not play a World Cup final with a leader like you.’ This will be a regret in my heart that I missed a World Cup final with a leader like Rohit Sharma. That will stay in my life,” he expressed.

The wicketkeeper-batter also opened up on Rohit Sharma's approach and the ten-minute conversation they had before the toss.

"After this, I thought, such a big thing like a World Cup final. Before the final, you have changed your decision. You spent 10 minutes with the player that is not playing just before the toss. He gave me 10 minutes before the toss. After that, I got to know this person has some other qualities," Samson concluded.

Following the T20 World Cup glory, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is alongside seasoned stalwarts Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.