Following his spectacular match-winning knock of 97 runs, Sanju Samson admitted that he had to fight off mental doubts to guide India into the T20 World Cup semifinals. He confessed that the stressful thought of "what if not" kept creeping into his mind during the high-stakes chase against the West Indies. However, Samson explained that he repeatedly disciplined himself to return to the present moment, focusing entirely on reacting to each ball on its merit rather than getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation.
There is always a question, what if not?: Sanju Samson
Samson's masterclass, a 50-ball innings studded with 12 fours and four sixes, proved to be the decisive factor in India's five-wicket victory with four balls to spare. His ability to remain composed under pressure allowed him to anchor the innings and ultimately overhaul the West Indies' daunting total, securing India's spot in the final four.
“There is always a question, what if not? So definitely that keeps on playing in your mind. But when that thought kept on coming, I just brought myself into the present moment and just looked at the ball and trusted myself to react according to the ball in merit so I think that worked out pretty well today,” Samson told broadcasters after the match.
Samson also broke a massive record previously held by Virat Kohli for the highest individual score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup run chase. During the crucial match against the West Indies, Samson hammered an unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls to help overcome a daunting 196-run target.
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This is one of the greatest days of my life: Sanju Samson
In doing so, Samson surpassed Kohli’s iconic unbeaten 82-run knocks against Australia in 2016 and Pakistan in 2022. This historic innings not only secured India's spot in the semifinals but also cemented Samson’s place in the record books for delivering under immense pressure.
“It means the whole world, actually to me. Right from the day I started playing, started dreaming to play for the country, I think this is the day I was waiting for. I’m very grateful, very thankful. I’ve always had a very special journey with lots of ups and downs, but I’ve kept on doubting myself, kept on thinking, what if, what if, can I make it, can I make it? But I kept on believing and thanks to the Lord Almighty for actually blessing me today. I think this is one of the greatest days of my life” Samson added.
India will now face England at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on March 5. The other semifinal will see South Africa and New Zealand locking horns with each other on March 4 in Kolkata.