Suryakumar Yadav changes tune, applauds Sanju Samson after match-winning show against West Indies

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who once laughed at the idea of adding Sanju Samson in the playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026, has changed his tune after the wicketkeeper batter's unbeaten 97-run knock helped the Men in Blue to seal a berth in the semifinal of the showpiece event.

The incident happened before India vs South Africa Super 8 clash when Suryakumar Yadav was asked by a media professional about Samson's inclusion in the playing XI. After hearing that, India's T20I captain laughed off before asking you want me to drop Tilak or Abhishek to add Samson in the playing XI?

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Suryakumar Yadav on Sanju Samson after India's win

However, Indian management added Samson after the team's humiliating defeat against South Africa and that worked as a masterstroke as the wicketkeeper batter single-handedly guided India to the semifinals of the mega event as the top batting order flopped in a 165-run chase.

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"See I always say good things happen to good people who wait. Who have a lot of patience. All his hard work ,what he has been doing behind the doors when he hasn't been playing, he has got the fruits for it at the perfect stage" said Suryakumar Yadav after India's win.

India vs West Indies match report

Sanju Samson, who is often under pressure and constant criticism, answered his critics in style, playing a brilliant unbeaten knock of 97 to guide India to a five-wicket win over West Indies in their Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup. The victory also sealed India’s place in the semi-finals.

India will now take on England in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.

Batting first, West Indies followed an aggressive approach. Roston Chase laid the base for the innings, and in the final overs, Rovman Powell (34 not out off 19 balls) and Jason Holder (37 not out off 22 balls) attacked strongly to push the total to a challenging 195 for 4.

With more than 65,000 fans filling Eden Gardens, the pressure was high. India’s in-form batters struggled against West Indies, but Samson stayed calm and played one of the finest innings of his career. His unbeaten 97 helped India chase down the target, finishing at 199 for 5 in 19.2 overs and securing a memorable win.