Sanju Samson (BCCI photo) NEW DELHI: Constantly under scrutiny, Sanju Samson rose above the noise with a match-winning 97 as India beat West Indies by five wickets in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash to reach the semi-finals on Sunday.But apart from the runs and the result, it was the captain’s bow that defined the night at Eden Gardens.
Indian cricket team leaves Kolkata, fans go crazy for Sanju Samson
India will now face England in the semi-final on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.When the victory line was crossed and the noise reached a fever pitch, Samson made his way back to the pavilion. That’s when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did something that few captains do.Surya came down from his position and removed his cap and bowed to Sanju in the middle of the ground before hugging him tightly. It was spontaneous, heartfelt and symbolic – a public acknowledgment of faith paid off.A packed Eden Gardens with more than 65,000 spectators erupted. Teammates applauded. The fans roared. It was more than a celebration; it was respect.Asked to bat first, West Indies followed a clear plan of attack. Roston Chase laid the foundations before Rovman Powell (34* off 19 balls) and Jason Holder (37* off 22 balls) launched a late onslaught to take them to 195/4.Chasing 196 in a virtual knockout, India needed calm. Instead, they lost the early momentum as the batsmen’s form faltered under pressure.Sanju stood straight then.Playing only his third match in the tournament, the wicketkeeper produced an innings of poise and authority – 97* off 50 balls, with 12 fours and four sixes. Batting deep, he absorbed the pressure and ensured India reached 199/5 in 19.2 overs, sealing a four-ball victory.In the 19th over, with tension running high, Sanju leveled the scores by lofting Romario Shepherd’s attempted yorker high over square leg for a towering six – a telling blow under pressure.Moments later, he smashed a winning boundary over mid-off to book India’s semi-final berth and end West Indies’ campaign at the very venue where they won their second and final T20 World Cup title in 2016.As “Maa Tujhe Salaam” echoed through the gardens of Paradise, Sanju dropped to his knees, removed his helmet and said a silent prayer – a moment of relief, gratitude and redemption. The BCCI top brass stood up in applause.And right behind that image was Surya’s bow—a captain who recognized a warrior who broke free when it mattered most.In a night full of pressure and expectation, it wasn’t just by 97*. It was about faith, redemption and a captain who wasn’t afraid to bow to the shine.
