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Xtra Time Web Desk: Sanju Samson revealed he was supposed to play the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa but was told about his exclusion at the final moment by Skipper Rohit Sharma. 

India picked Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson as their keeper-batter throughout the tournament. The left-hander, who was making a comeback to international cricket after a long period, played some serious knocks in difficult conditions in the group stage that made him find a spot in USA but could not make any significant contribution to India in this tournament. 

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Samson informed that Rohit explained him the logical side of the decision taking 10 minutes during warm-up. He stated, "During the warm-up, Rohit took me to the side and started to explain to me why he is 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 further added, "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'."

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Samson expressed how touched he was by Rohit spending time with him before the toss instead of focusing on the players who were playing. He shared his regret of not being able to play a World Cup final under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

In his words, "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 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."