Indian opener Sanju Samson carried forward his new-found form in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal. Capitalising on the early reprieve from England captain dropping a straightforward catch at mid-on, Samson unleashed an all-out attack. Samson could’ve reached his century easily but choose the high-risk option in the 14th over on a batting paradise of a track at Wankhede Stadium. He lost his wicket to Will Jacks for 89. As he was named ‘Player of the match’ award. After the defeat, he was asked whether hundreds matter in the format. Replying to West Indies’ Ian Bishop, he said hundreds are relevant for ODIs and Tests.
“I think not at all. It actually comes in the process. It's not a Test game, it's not a ODI game where you can go up and down, up and down. Once you've got the start, you're batting first. There is no other way. You just have to keep going hard, hard, hard. And once you end up on the right side, who knows, I think, which amount of runs I'm getting. So I'm very happy to get whatever I'm getting and very happy to contribute on the winning side for my country," Samson said in the post-match presentation.
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Samson feels Bumrah deserves the award
Samson hit eight fours and seven sixes in his 42-ball 89. When he departed, India were 160/3 in 13.1 overs. Shivam Dube's 25-ball 43, Hardik Pandya's 12-ball 27 and Tilak Varma's 7-ball 21 helped India post 253/7. Despite Jacob Bethell’s record-breaking 105, England lost the match by seven runs as Jasprit Bumrah kept the Englishmen at bay. Samson felt that Bumrah should’ve been given the award instead of him.
“I’m very happy how the team turned up today and all credit goes to Jasprit Bumrah, the world class bowler, once in a generation bowler. I think that's what he delivered today. This (award) should go to him actually. If we didn't bowl that way in the death overs, I think I would not be standing here. All credit goes to the bowlers, how they backed themselves in the tough conditions,” Samson lauded Bumrah who conceded 33 runs from four overs and dismissed Brook.
Kiwi challenge for Samson
After overcoming England, Samson faces another challenge. From seven innings against the Kiwis, he scored 56 runs at an average of 8 and strike rate of 127.27. The last time he played in Ahmedabad was in December 2025 against South Africa. He contributed with a 37-run knock.