Samson rises from struggle to become India's WC hero

India opener Sanju Samson's rise from not being a preferred opener to finishing as the player of the tournament became the campaign's most compelling redemption arc as the hosts retained the men's Twenty20 World Cup title.

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The 31-year-old arrived at the tournament under scrutiny after enduring a prolonged slump in form through last year and into the early stages of this one.

His returns were modest and inconsistent, and questions grew over whether India could continue backing a player whose promise often outpaced his output.

Samson, who did not play a game in the 2024 edition despite being in the squad, made 46 runs in five T20 internationals against New Zealand before the start of this year's World Cup and his place in the team looked anything but guaranteed.

"Right after the New Zealand series, I was broken, I was completely out of my mind," said Samson in the post-match presentation.

"I was like my dreams have shattered, what else can I do?"