Sanju Samson has set the T20 World Cup 2026 on fire by playing a brilliant inning of 97 not out in India’s vital Super 8 match against West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing a huge target of 196 runs, the Men in Blue were under a lot of pressure after the fall of early wickets.
The required run rate kept rising, but Samson remained calm and smartly carried the innings forward and took the Men in Blue over the line when it mattered most during the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash. This knock was not just about power hitting, Samson also showed great awareness of the game.
Ruturaj Gaikwad praised Sanju Samson’s big sporting nature
Despite the wicket falling at the other end, he did not lose his focus. The Kerala star stayed till the end and got the job done and earned a lot of praise from the cricket world. Samson’s performance has now received praise from his new IPL captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
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In a video shared by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on social media, Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded Samson’s calm mind and experience in chasing pressure. Other CSK players also praised the right-handed batsman and India’s spectacular win over West Indies in the same video.
Sanju Gaikwad said in the CSK video: “I think only someone like Sanju could have led India to victory. Because of the experience he had. And, you know, we really needed that composure and that experience, especially in the chasing game. And, I think, brilliant.”
Lots of love to Sanju and Team India,
From our lions! #whistlepoddu #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/wW9jbzn3JX– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 2 March 2026
Sanju Samson ready for big CSK debut in IPL 2026
Notably, Samson is all set to make his debut for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL 2026. The franchise managed to bring in the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman from Rajasthan Royals in a swap deal ahead of the IPL 2026 auction that included Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
After a disappointing 2025 season, CSK fans are now hopeful that Samson will bring stability and strength to the batting unit. Now, the defending champions will hope to continue their fine form in the upcoming semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on September 5.
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Michael Clarke calls Sanju Samson India’s silent match winner
Meanwhile, former Australia captain Michael Clarke has praised Sanju Samson after his brilliant innings against West Indies in the Super 8 match at the Eden Gardens.
“Samson for me was a player who was on the radar throughout the tournament: there was talk that he wasn’t even in the team. Then he got picked, and then there was talk about who would play between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Ishan Kishan has got the nod and has every chance to start this tournament,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
He added, “Samson is probably sitting there thinking, ‘I’m not going to get any chances; I’m not going to get any games.’ But what to say about his innings against West Indies? 97 runs on 50 balls. He opens the batting—you talk about dealing with pressure moments; He has seized this opportunity with both hands. He’s definitely a player to keep on my radar over the last few games. Without that innings, India could not have chased those runs, so he should be very proud.”
