The brotherhood between Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav was at its peak after the wicketkeeper-batsman took India to the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on March 1.
In a high-pressure T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter, India faced a tough challenge against West Indies to enter the semi-finals. The stage was huge and the pressure intense, but Samson remained calm and played the best innings of his life at a packed Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Sanju Samson takes India to the semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2026
The Kerala star scored 97 runs in just 50 balls and held on till the end to seal a famous five-wicket win over West Indies. With his remarkable knock of 97 off 50 balls, Samson broke Virat Kohli’s record of the highest score by an Indian in a successful chase in the T20 World Cup.
Also read: Sahibzada Farhan becomes the new captain of Pakistan by breaking Virat Kohli’s record.
India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t control his emotions after the Men in Blue sealed their semi-final berth. He took off his cap and bowed to Samson near the boundary line. Later, in a video shared by BCCI on its social media platforms, Suryakumar continued praising Sanju.
Emotional moment when Suryakumar Yadav bowed to Sanju Samson
Suryakumar Yadav said in the BCCI video, “I always say that good things happen to good people and at the right time. There is no better time, no better platform for a guy like him (Sanju Samson) to step up and give the team what the team needed. As soon as he came into the team, I think the first thing he said among the group when we sat together was, let’s do something that the team wants, not what you want.”
The Indian captain also explained why this match-winning innings is special. Last year, Samson lost his place in the team. He batted at different positions. He had to face criticism. Many people raised questions on his role. He showed that spirit on this big night.
They attacked smartly and did not rush after a good start. He held one end firmly while wickets were falling around him. Suryakumar said Samson, who did not get a single game in the last edition, played brave cricket under pressure, which is necessary to win World Cups and ICC tournaments.
Also read: Mohammad Aamir puts Sanju Samson at par with Rohit Sharma
He deserves everything: India captain
Suryakumar further added, “Winning the World Cup is not easy. World Cups, ICC tournaments and the games you play in ICC tournaments are won by courageous people, and this was a courageous innings. He could have already been impressed by a good start, but then the way he was batting, he held a side together and took the team forward.
And he deserves all the credit. I am very happy for him, for his wife, for his family and for all the people who love and support him. We’re just one step closer. Hopefully, this can continue. I have a lot of things to say, but still, I am very happy. He deserves everything.”
“Will you cry?” – Sanju Samson to Sky
Samson laughed after hearing the captain’s praise and jokingly told him to stop, otherwise he would start crying. He said, “Rulaega kya pagle? (Will you make me cry?)”