Sanju Samson Writes Emotional Note For Fans After Heroic 97* Against West Indies

Sanju Samson expressed gratitude to fans after his unbeaten 97 guided India to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

Sanju Samson thanked fans for their overwhelming support after his unbeaten 97 helped India secure a place in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter played a stunning knock of 97 not out off just 50 balls as India chased down 196 to beat West Indies by five wickets in a virtual knockout match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday. A crowd of 67,000 witnessed the high-pressure encounter.

Following his match-winning innings, Samson received praise from fans and members of the cricket fraternity. On Tuesday, he shared a heartfelt message through an Instagram story.

“Just wanted to reach out and convey my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who showed love, support and kept me in prayers. Seeing and experiencing so much love coming my way truly means a lot,” Samson wrote in an Instagram story.

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“Just want to say – Thank you all. Two more steps to go, India,” he added. Samson featured in two matches during the T20 World Cup 2026 before the Super Eights stage. He scored 22 against Namibia in New Delhi and 24 against Zimbabwe, as India preferred the left-handed opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma for most of the tournament.

Earlier, after being moved down the order in the Asia Cup, Samson struggled to regain rhythm. He was given a full series against New Zealand but managed only 10, 6, 0, 24 and 6, which led critics to question his place in the team.

After India suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa, the team management recalled Samson for the Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe to add variety to the batting line-up. He responded with a quick 24. He then delivered his best performance of the tournament against West Indies, smashing 12 boundaries and four sixes in a memorable innings that sealed India’s semi-final berth.

Samson will once again be under the spotlight when defending champions India take on two-time winners England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.