[WATCH] T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav bows down to Sanju Samson after Kolkata heroics

[WATCH] T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav bows down to Sanju Samson after Kolkata heroics (Source Alex Davidson/Getty Image)

India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson guided the team into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Chasing 196 against West Indies in what was virtually a quarter-final, Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls proved to be the difference-maker. As he walked back after sealing the five-wicket win, India captain Suryakumar Yadav removed his cap and bowed to his match-winner. This gesture instantly won hearts across social media.

India’s Super Eight campaign was on the brink after an inconsistent run, and defeat would have meant an early exit. Samson himself had been in and out of the XI, even dropped for a crucial clash earlier in the stage. But in Kolkata, when India needed composure and courage, the 31-year-old delivered a brilliant innings under pressure.

West Indies posted 195/4 after late fireworks from Rovman Powell and Jason Holder. India’s chase began poorly, losing two wickets in five overs. Meanwhile, Samson held one innings, hitting 12 fours and four sixes. His fifty came off just 26 balls.

Good things happen to good people: Suryakumar Yadav

A crucial 42-run stand with Tilak Varma shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour. Fittingly, he finished the game in style, guiding India home with four balls to spare and scripting the highest successful T20I chase at the venue. His 97* is now the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup chase, underlining the magnitude of the innings.

Suryakumar’s gesture of doffing his hat was appreciated by many. Later, he praised Samson’s patience, saying good things happen to those who wait and work hard behind the scenes.

“See, I always say, good things happen to good people who wait, who have a lot of patience. I said it just now as well when I met him. But then it’s all his hard work, what he’s been doing behind the doors when he was not playing, and he’s got the fruit of it at the perfect stage. And the way he batted, took the side completely to victory,” Surya said.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir shared the same, calling Samson “world-class” and embracing him warmly after the match.

“He’s a world class player, we all know how good a player Sanju is. It was all about backing him. When the team needed him the most – obviously today was the day – he showed his full potential. I actually felt that he never accelerated the innings. It was just very normal cricketing shots and I never saw him muscling the ball as well. That is the kind of talent he has,” Gambhir told reporters after the game.

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