Keeper-batter Sanju Samson turned out to be the biggest star of the show as he guided the Indian cricket team to a record chase against the West Indies in their last Super 8 match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, March 1st.
Sanju Samson Is The New ‘King Of Chase’ For India
Sanju Samson rained fours and sixes at the iconic Eden Gardens of Kolkata. He played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs and stole the show completely, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record for the best score in a successful run-chase for Team India in the T20 World Cup.
Sanju has been receiving praises from all corners. From cricketers, actors, to experts and fans, everyone is hailing Sanju for his batting heroics.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also left in awe of Sanju when he smashed the winning runs for the Men in Blue. When Sanju returned to the dugout after finishing his work on the field, he was given a warm welcome by the Indian players. Suryakumar Yadav removed his cap and bowed down. He gave him a warm hug and congratulated him on his knock.
Suryakumar Yadav Gave An Emotional Tribute To Sanju
Later, the Indian captain couldn’t stop singing Samson’s praises. Speaking on the BCCI.TV, SKY said, “I always say good things happen to good people and at the right time. No better time, no better stage for someone like him (Samson) to step up and give the team what the team required. The moment he came into the side, I think the first thing that he said amongst the group when we sat together was, let’s do something which the team wants, not what you want,” SKY said of Samson’s timeless knock during the post-match analysis on BCCI.tv.
“In life, we’ve seen so many things, so many ups and downs. I don’t want to take you back to what happened in the whole year, losing his position, batting out of position, and then coming back batting at the same position.”
SKY highlighted how a performance like Samson’s defines big ICC tournaments and praised the gloveman for showing courage at such an important stage. He said, “It’s not easy to win the World Cup. The World Cups, the ICC tournaments, and the games which you play in ICC tournaments are won by courageous people, and this was a courageous knock. He can already get carried away by a good start, but then the way he was batting, he held one side together, took the team through. And he deserves all the credit. I’m very happy for him, his wife, his family back home, and all the people who love him, support him. We’re just one more step closer. Hopefully, this may continue. I have a lot of things to say, but then, I’m very happy. He deserves everything.”
Sanju Samson’s Playful Response Steals Hearts
Hearing all the praise from his captain, Samson couldn’t help but joke in Hindi, saying, “Rulayega kya pagle? (Do you want to see me tear up?)”
Watch the video:
Sanju Samson to Surya Kumar yadav: 🗣️ Rulaoge Kya Pagle 😭😂#SanjuSamson #indvswi #SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/pNBBOZBJQR
— ` (@LoyalCskFan) March 2, 2026
With two wins from three Super 8 matches, Team India finished as the second-ranked team in Group 1. This means they will face England in the second semi-final on March 5 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
