Cricket is often called the great leveller, and nights like these remind you why.

Just a month-and-a-half ago, Sanju Samson found himself under intense scrutiny. Across five T20Is against New Zealand, he managed only 46 runs, and the chatter around his place in India’s T20 World Cup squad grew louder with each passing game.

He even missed a few matches early in the tournament. But if the outside noise was growing, Samson chose to do the exact opposite — he shut it out.

The Kerala batter stepped away from social media, narrowed his focus and went back to the basics.

What followed was a timely resurgence. First came an unbeaten 97 in the chase against the West Indies in Kolkata, and then a blistering 89 off 42 balls against England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday – two knocks that powered the Indian cricket team into the final.

READ | Chetta Samson takes centre-stage at Wankhede

“That phase (the New Zealand series) was very challenging for me. I definitely wanted to come and do what I am trying to do now for the country – contribute and win games in the World Cup,” Samson said.

“But I was trying a bit too much in the New Zealand series. I wanted to make an impact and get to the level required for the World Cup here. But in this format, cricket can get very funny. Even the best in the world struggle to score runs in T20 cricket,” he added.

For Samson, the answer lay in simplifying things.

“I knew that I had to respect the game,” he said.

During that difficult phase, he deliberately stepped away from the noise around him.

“When the hard times came, my close people – the ones I love and who support me – were with me.

I cut out the noise. I shut down my phone. I was not on social media. I am still not on social media,” he said.

“That meant there was less noise. Fewer people interacting with me. That really helped me focus in the right direction. And I am very happy with how things are going now.”

Over the years, Samson has also leaned heavily on the guidance of Zubin Bharucha while preparing for international assignments.

“We work a lot together. He is connected with me. A lot of people are helping me. That kind of support and practice definitely helps you come here and contribute,” Samson said.

While the return to form has been satisfying, the 31-year-old knows the job is not finished yet. India will take on New Zealand in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, with the title on the line.

Samson admits the real sense of relief will come only if India crosses that final hurdle.

“I think I will feel a lot more satisfied once we get that done,” he said.