Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson’s blistering 97* led India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to book their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. Under pressure and with a place in the playing eleven in doubt after a slender run, Samson came through when it mattered most in the Super Eight clash.Chasing in difficult conditions with dew setting in, India stayed on course thanks to a composed yet attacking effort from the wicketkeeper batsman. Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls is now the highest score in India’s successful T20 World Cup chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous record. He hit the winning runs and when he walked back, captain Suryakumar Yadav took off his cap and bowed to him in a heartwarming gesture.
T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir on Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah and record chase against West Indies
In a video released by BCCI, Suryakumar was lavish in his praise for Samson, even eliciting a hilarious response from the match-winner.“Rulayega kya pagle? (Want to see me get ripped?),” quipped Samson as his captain continued to shower him with compliments.Reiterating his long-held belief about Samson, Suryakumar revealed what the batsman told the team when he rejoined the side.“I always say good things happen to good people at the right time. No better time, no better scene for someone like him to step up and give the team what the team wanted. The moment he came into the side, I think the first thing he said in the group when we sat together was, let’s do something the team wants, not what you want,” Suryakumar said.The skipper decided not to dwell too much on Samson’s difficult phase – being on and out and batting out of position – but acknowledged the mental strength behind the knock.“We’ve seen so many things in life, so many ups and downs. I don’t want to take you back to what happened in a whole year, losing position, batting out of position and then coming back to bat in the same position.”He emphasized that such performances define ICC tournaments and appreciated the courage Samson showed on the big stage.“It’s not easy to win a World Cup. World Cups, ICC tournaments, the games you play in ICC tournaments are won by brave people and this was a brave shot. He can get carried away with a good start but then the way he batted, kept one side together, carried the team. And he deserves all the credit. I’m very happy for him, for his family and support, back home, his wife.” just one step closer, hopefully it will continue but then I am very happy,” said Suryakumar.India have now moved a step closer to the title, riding a knock that could go down as one of the best in T20 World Cup history.India will now face England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
