Sourav Ganguly (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly described Sanju Samson’s match-winning 97* as “outstanding” and called him a “very good player” after the wicketkeeper-palter propelled India into the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 with a decisive win over the Super Indies clause.Samson smashed an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls as India chased down a stiff target of 196 runs to secure a five-wicket win in a do-or-die encounter, guiding Suryakumar Yadav’s men into the last four.
T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir on Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah and record chase against West Indies
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ganguly praised Samson and emphasized that the Kerala batsman deserves consistent opportunities in India’s white-ball setup.“Excellent. He is a very good player. He should play for India consistently in the white ball,” Ganguly said.With India and West Indies sharing points in the Super 8 rankings, the match in Kolkata effectively turned into a knockout with the winner advancing to join South Africa, New Zealand and England in the semi-finals. India’s win set up a last four clash against England on March 5.Calling India-West Indies a virtual quarter-final, Ganguly praised Samson’s composure and highlighted how dangerous he can be once he settles down.“You know when he gets in, he hurts the opposition. He played in a situation that is important,” Ganguly added.Looking ahead to the semi-final against England, the former Indian captain noted that the Three Lions will pose a tougher challenge than the West Indies.In the match itself, India won the toss and chose to field. West Indies openers Roston Chase (40 off 25 balls, five fours and a six) and captain Shai Hope (32 off 33 balls, three fours and a six) added 68 for the first wicket. Despite a quick knock from Shimron Hetmyer (27 off 12 balls, one four and two sixes), the hosts slipped to 119/4 in 14.1 overs.A late onslaught from Jason Holder (37* off 22 balls, two fours and three sixes) and Rovman Powell (34* off 19 balls, three fours and two sixes) saw the duo put together a 76-run stand in just 35 balls to lift West Indies to 195/4 in their 20 overs.Jasprit Bumrah (2/36 in four overs) was India’s outstanding bowler, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya claimed a wicket each, conceding 40 runs apiece in their four spells.In response, India were soon rattled and were reduced to 41/2 during the over. A 58-run partnership between Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (18) steadied the innings and revived the chase. Samson then combined effectively with Tilak Varma (27 off 15 balls, four boundaries and a six), Hardik Pandya (17) and Shivam Dube (8*) to guide India home with five wickets in hand, sealing a memorable win and a place in the semi-finals.
