Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed how Sanju Samson dealt with being dropped from India’s playing XI during the 2026 T20 World Cup, while also opening up about his own difficult period after losing the captaincy.

The two incidents came at different stages of Suryakumar’s career, but his recollection of Samson came first in an interview with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra. It was followed by his account of how he himself dealt with the shock of being removed as captain.

Samson’s response after being dropped

Samson had entered the World Cup short of runs and was initially kept out of the XI, with Ishan Kishan preferred at the top. India’s early struggles eventually brought the Kerala batter back into the side.

Suryakumar recalled the conversation he had with Samson after making the decision to leave him out.

“We were on the bus, and I told him that it was going to be difficult with how it was going. He told me just one thing: do whatever you feel is right to make this team win the World Cup. He said he is there whenever I need him, as he will prepare as if he were going to play.

I gained a lot of confidence hearing that. Aise bhi log hote hain life mein (There are people like this too),” Suryakumar said.

Samson eventually made his opportunity count, producing three successive big scores after returning to the opening slot before a must-win Super Eight match against the West Indies. He finished the tournament with 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and was named Player of the Tournament.

Suryakumar faced his own setback

Suryakumar later spoke about a setback of his own. Despite leading India to the T20 World Cup title at home, he was removed as T20I captain and subsequently left out of the squad for the United Kingdom tour.

He said he spent nearly two months struggling to understand what had happened.

“I sat at home for 40-50 days. I was doing nothing, and I was completely shocked. I was thinking, what should I do now? Do I want to play or not?” he said.

His wife then reminded him why he had started playing cricket.

“Just think about why you started playing this game 20 years ago? Because you were mad for this game. Then bring that passion back again.”

Suryakumar said he chose not to react when his name was missing from the squad.

“I smiled like this when my name was not there. Whatever cricket I played throughout the two years, whenever I was in situations where there was pressure and things were not going my way, I have always smiled,” he said.

He also backed Shreyas Iyer, who replaced him as captain.

“I have played a lot of cricket with Shreyas, and I know he is a good player, a good human being, and a good captain.”

Both episodes, as recalled by Suryakumar, came when decisions had gone against players who had expected something different.