Just a few months ago, questions were being raised about Sanju Samson and his place in India’s white-ball teams. Headlines focused on inconsistency and competition from other talented players. But on Sunday night, he answered those doubts in the best way possible, i.e., with his bat.
In a high-pressure game at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson played one of the finest knocks of his career. Chasing a challenging target of 196 against the West Indies cricket team, India lost early wickets and looked under pressure. However, Sanju Samson stayed calm and anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 97. India crossed the line with four balls to spare, sealing a place in the semi-finals.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly did not hold back in his praise. According to him, Sanju Samson fully deserves a regular spot in India’s limited-overs setup. He described him as a very talented player who can cause serious damage once he settles in. For Ganguly, scoring 97 not out in what was almost a quarter-final shows the quality Sanju Samson brings to the team.
Ganguly also reflected on how quickly public opinion can change. He pointed out that not long ago, Sanju Samson was struggling to secure his place in the side, especially with players like Ishan Kishan opening the batting and others pushing for spots. There were even discussions about why someone like Shubman Gill was not playing.
But in this crucial match, Sanju Samson adapted perfectly to the situation. Instead of playing flashy shots from the start, he paced his innings smartly and guided India home when it mattered the most. Sourav Ganguly believes this maturity is what makes the performance special.
Now, India will face the England cricket team in the second semi-final on Thursday. This will be the third straight T20 World Cup where the defending champions meet England at this stage.
While India handled West Indies confidently in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly warned that England will be an even tougher test. His message was simple – India must repeat the same fearless and disciplined approach if they want to reach the final.
