New Delhi: India’s title defence regained momentum on Sunday as the team booked a place in the T20 World Cup semifinals for the third consecutive edition with a gripping five wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens. Chasing a demanding target of 196 in a high pressure Super 8 encounter, India showed composure and adaptability to seal victory in the final over.
While the contest turned into a run fest, India’s bowlers deserve credit for keeping the West Indies total below the 200 mark on a surface that strongly favoured batting and against an opposition known for its explosive form. That effort proved decisive as the chase unfolded under mounting pressure.
India’s reply suffered an early setback with both openers departing inside the first five overs, leaving the side in a precarious position. It was then that Sanju Samson took control. Displaying maturity and assurance, the wicketkeeper batter crafted an unbeaten 97, guiding the innings through fluctuating phases and steering India home in a tense finish.
The knock carried special significance for Samson, who had endured a challenging period in recent months, losing his opening slot twice and featuring sparingly earlier in the tournament. With India adjusting their batting order to counter early spin threats, Samson was recalled at a critical moment and responded with an innings that underlined his value.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Samson’s effort, describing him as a world class player who finally showcased his full potential when the team needed it most. He highlighted the calm nature of the innings, noting that Samson relied on classical shot making rather than brute force, remaining in control throughout the chase.
Gambhir also pointed to Samson’s improved movement and confidence, stating that his form in practice had always been encouraging despite a difficult run in the recent series against New Zealand. He added that both Samson and Ishan Kishan offer valuable flexibility to Indian cricket due to their dual skills.
On tactics, Gambhir reiterated his belief that T20 cricket relies more on instinct than data, stressing that success in short tournaments depends on approaching every match with a winning mindset rather than timing a peak.
India will next face England in the semifinal on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium, carrying renewed confidence and momentum into the knockout stage.
