Sanju Samson’s 97 Powers India Into T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Against England at Wankhede on March 5

India sealed their place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final after defeating West Indies in a high-pressure encounter at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The match was seen as a virtual quarter-final, and the stakes were extremely high for both teams.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson rose to the occasion with a brilliant 97-run innings while chasing a challenging target. His knock combined patience with controlled aggression, helping India stay ahead in the run chase. Although he narrowly missed his century, his innings proved decisive in securing the victory.

Shashi Tharoor’s Emotional Reaction

Senior Congress leader and Kerala MP Shashi Tharoor publicly praised Samson after the match. In a social media post, Tharoor said he felt “bursting with pride and relief” watching the Kerala-born cricketer deliver under pressure.

Tharoor pointed out that Samson had faced difficult phases earlier in his career, including losing his place in the team after inconsistent performances. According to him, this innings was proof that Samson deserved his opportunity on the big stage. He also referred to the cricketer as “Thiruvananthapuram’s native son” and celebrated him with the hashtag #NammudeSanju.

Silencing Critics at the Right Time

Samson’s performance has strengthened his position in the Indian playing eleven. Over the years, he has often been in and out of the squad, struggling to cement his place permanently. However, delivering such a crucial knock in a knockout-style match may change that narrative.

Cricket analysts believe the team management is unlikely to make changes ahead of the semi-final after such a convincing performance in a pressure game.

Semi-Final Showdown in Mumbai

Following the win, India will now face England in the semi-final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 5. The clash is expected to attract massive attention as both teams aim for a spot in the final.