Sanju Samson is getting praise from all sides after his remarkable innings for India in the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 1.
India looked to be in trouble while chasing 196 runs against West Indies in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan got out cheaply, which increased the pressure on the rest of the lineup, but Sanju Samson took charge and flipped the entire script.
Sanju Samson takes India to T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals
The Kerala star scored an unbeaten 97 runs in just 50 balls. He completed his half-century in just 26 balls and stitched a strong 50-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav in the chase against West Indies. Once settled, the right-handed batsman attacked the bowlers around the field and India defeated West Indies by five wickets to reach the semi-finals.
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With this innings Samson broke a big record. He overtook Virat Kohli for the highest score by an Indian while chasing in the T20 World Cup. After this masterclass, many people now call the Indian wicketkeeper the new Kohli. Notably, this was only his third appearance in the ongoing tournament.
Great players of India and Pakistan salute Samson for his bravery
After his historic innings in the Super 8 clash against West Indies, congratulatory messages started pouring in for Sanju Samson from everyone from the cricket world to Mollywood celebrities. Pakistani legends Wasim Akram, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Amir and Ahmed Shehzad praised Sanju’s fearless batting.
Mohammad Yousuf posted,
On the other hand, Indian legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh also praised Samson for his memorable efforts under pressure in Kolkata. Even the film industry joined the celebration. Malayalam superstars Mohanlal, Mammootty, Tovino Thomas, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan loudly cheered for their Kerala hero on social media.
Also Read: “Rulega Kya Pagle”: Sanju Samson stops Suryakumar Yadav from praising him
Here’s how cricket legends and film stars appreciate Samson at X:
#Sanju Samson stepping into Kohli’s shoes highlights the strength of India’s cricket infrastructure and the depth built by a strong system. No sloganeering, just pure technical skill applied with aggression and intent. #INDvsWi
– Mohammed Yousaf (@yousaf1788) 1 March 2026
It’s not much of a chance #worldcupBut when it mattered, Sanju stood up and played the innings of his life 👏🏻 That’s the mentality of a champion! Be prepared, be patient and never stop believing! proud of you @IamSanjuSamson! The spirit of never giving up always wins!…
– Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) 1 March 2026
A semi-final spot was at stake, and the boys handled it beautifully!
Handling the last overs well in both innings gave us the lead. It was wonderful to see Sanju Samson’s calm presence at the crease. This type of appearance elevates one side.
Great effort by all. Next… https://t.co/Y5874i9v2d
– Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 1 March 2026
Well played, boys! 🙌 Clinical performance, unstoppable spirit, and the mentality of a true champion on display. One step towards glory – let’s bring it home! 💙🏏
pure dominance from @IamSanjuSamson 🔥#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #worldcup #semifinal
– Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) 1 March 2026
Today @IamSanjuSamson Has made us all proud. significant successes by @Jaspritbumrah93 Also helped Team India. Congratulations #meninblue For a wonderful victory. Our hearts skipped a beat several times throughout the match but all’s well that ends well. happy for #TeamIndia. Best…
-Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 1 March 2026
A composed and clinical effort from Team India to seal a place in the semi-finals.
a knock of the clutch @IamSanjuSamsonPursuing with conviction and clarity. The confidence and character of this Indian team was on display while chasing 196 runs
This victory will give them a lot of confidence…
– Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 1 March 2026
🚨 Wasim Akram’s big statement on Sanju Samson 🚨
Wasim Akram said 🗣️
“I knew India would go to the semi-finals and almost certainly play the final as well, but I don’t understand why Sanju Samson didn’t get a chance in the first few matches. The 97 runs he scored today… pic.twitter.com/2sd0EiEWkM
– Cricket Central (@CricketCentral) 2 March 2026
🚨Pakistani cricketers stunned by Sanju Samson
Mohammad Aamir: “I can see the reflection of Rohit Sharma in Sanju Samson.”
Ahmed Shehzad: “There is so much competition in India that Sanju had to sit on the bench despite scoring two centuries in South Africa. But today he was brilliant, some… pic.twitter.com/z78owy5rkA
– Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) 2 March 2026
Considering the situation of the match, this is the best innings of his career. The maturity he showed throughout was excellent.
A top-class, match-winning innings from Sanju Samson. 👏– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 1 March 2026
Kerala story: Sanju Samson takes India to the semi-finals.
– CS Amudhan (@csamudhan) 1 March 2026
what a knock, @IamSanjuSamson
pure class. Pure dominance. A bold statement on the biggest stage.Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for moving forward #T20WorldCup2026 Semi-finals. pic.twitter.com/j8Di5hYY7C
– Mammootty (@mammukka) 1 March 2026
fun to watch @IamSanjuSamson In such excellent shape! Truly an excellent innings which speaks volumes of his character and talent. Hearty congratulations to the entire Indian team for participating in this #T20WorldCup2026 Semi-finals. Keep the flag high! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/jLMYCQSOWc
– Mohanlal (@mohanlal) 1 March 2026
History almost repeated in T20 World Cup 2026 but India changed the story
In 2016, the West Indies cricket team broke the hearts of Indians in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. They chased 193 runs in the last over and eliminated India from the tournament. Indian fans never forgot that painful night. Now, a decade later, the situation looks exactly the same.
India had to chase 196 runs to stay in T20 World Cup 2026. The pressure was immense and the memories of 2016 were fresh in everyone’s mind, but this time the story changed. The Men in Blue remained calm and played smart cricket and got the job done and secured a place in the semi-finals.
