Kolkata’s Eden Gardens echoed with cheers as Team India clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies, securing their spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. Sanju Samson emerged as the undisputed hero, smashing an unbeaten 97 to steer the chase with poise and power.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly couldn’t hold back his admiration for the young wicketkeeper-batsman. In an exclusive chat, the legendary ‘Dada’ hailed Samson as a white-ball sensation who deserves consistent opportunities. ‘Sanju is the kind of player who, once set, can dismantle any bowling attack,’ Ganguly remarked, praising how Samson read the match situation perfectly against West Indies—a contest that felt like a quarterfinal knockout.
Samson’s innings wasn’t just about runs; it was a masterclass in composure under pressure, turning the tide decisively in India’s favor. Ganguly highlighted how the Rajasthan Royals star adapted seamlessly, mixing aggression with smart placement to outfox the Caribbean bowlers.
But Ganguly’s praise came with a cautionary note for the semifinal clash against England on March 5 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. ‘England is a superior side to West Indies, and Surya’s men must stay alert,’ he warned. India has a strong head-to-head record, winning 17 of 29 T20 encounters, but recent semifinals paint a mixed picture: a dominant 68-run thrashing of England in 2024 contrasted by a humiliating 10-wicket loss in 2022.
As India prepares for their third straight T20 World Cup semifinal against the Three Lions, Ganguly remains optimistic. ‘They’ll win just like they did against West Indies,’ he predicted, urging the team to channel Samson’s form into another historic performance. Cricket fans worldwide are braced for what promises to be an electrifying battle.