Also Read: IN PHOTOS | KL Rahul vs Sanju Samson: A look at their T20I performances!

Sangakkara played down the Pant versus Samson debate in the post-match press conference but made his choice clear. "It's really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination," Sangakkara told reporters. "But he has made his case, so hopefully he'll have a good run in the World Cup." 

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Samson has been an understated leader of his team, who are all but through to the playoffs with eight wins in 11 matches. Currently, he is third on the list of leading run-scorers in the tournament. Rishabh Pant with 413 runs in 12 IPL 2024 matches is also in the top 10 players.

"With Sanju, the biggest thing about this season for him is having a lot of clarity about the way he should bat," former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Sangakkara said. "There are certain stages of the game that he seems to lose a bit of concentration, which we've addressed from past seasons," he added. 

"He's changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just training all the time and being tired mentally and physically." This year is Samson's first in a World Cup squad and Sangakkara said he is a team man. "He's a special player and when he's fresh and focused there's nothing he can't do," said Sangakkara.

(With AFP Inputs)