Sanju Samson Cheated In The Middle Of T20 World Cup, Personal Staff Reveals

Sanju Samson and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]

Indian opener Sanju Samson recently attracted attention due to an interesting story from the middle of the T20 World Cup 2026. The right-handed batter delivered outstanding performances during the tournament. India eventually defeated New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium last Sunday and lifted the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy.

At present, Samson has become one of the most talked-about players in cricket. His brilliant performances in the tournament earned appreciation from fans and former players across the world.

Sanju Samson's stellar form in T20 World Cup  

Notably, Sanju Samson scored 97 runs in the virtual quarterfinal, followed by 89 runs in the semifinal, and another 89 runs in the final. These important knocks greatly supported India’s journey to win back-to-back T20 World Cups. 

Even so, his journey during the tournament did not begin smoothly. When the competition started, Samson was not firmly included in the team’s playing plans. India experienced a slow start in the early matches.

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After that, the team management decided to change the combination. A shift in strategy along with a bit of good fortune eventually gave Samson another opportunity to return to the playing XI. Once he received that chance, he made the most of it with match-winning performances.

The special cheat meal during T20 World Cup

Meanwhile, Samson’s personal chef later shared an interesting story about the cricketer’s strict routine and one special exception during the tournament. Well-known chef Suresh Pillai explained that Samson followed a very strict diet for almost three months before and during the World Cup.

After Samson played a match-winning innings against West Indies, which helped India reach the semi-finals, he decided to enjoy a cheat meal. The Chef wrote, 

"Chetaa... the match against West Indies was brilliant. He's really happy. We're in Mumbai now. Three months of strict diet meals... tonight he wants a cheat meal. Can you arrange pazhankanji, fish, kappa and chammanthi?"

Pillai shared that the request made him smile, since the dish mentioned is a traditional meal from Kerala.

"Pazhankanji. In Mumbai. At 7 PM. I laughed. Pazhankanji may not happen... but kanji, kappa and fish done," he added.

Kanji and kappa are very popular food items in Kerala, the home state of Sanju Samson. Kanji is a simple rice-based porridge, while kappa is a type of root vegetable usually served mashed along with fish curry. These dishes remind many Malayalis of home and traditional cooking.

Pillai further revealed that Samson made several sacrifices while preparing for the World Cup.

"What Sanju sacrifices for every tournament... most people never see. Phone switched off. Social media gone. Months of quiet, relentless preparation. That's the real story behind every moment that fills a Malayali's chest with pride," he added.

Sanju Samson named Player of the Tournament

By the end of the tournament, Samson scored a total of 321 runs in five matches. His remarkable performances during the second half of the competition completely changed India’s campaign. As a result, he received the Player of the Tournament award.

Meanwhile, fans will soon see Sanju Samson in action again during the IPL 2026 season. Notably, Samson will make his debut in the famous yellow jersey of CSK.

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