Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Sanju Samson after India clinched a five-wicket win against the West Indies in the Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.
India had to chase down 196 runs to book their semifinals spot and Sanju Samson, who was not part of team’s planning initially, scored a majestic knock of 97 runs off just 50 balls. The right-hander batted at the top of his game and looked in complete control throughout his innings.
The Indian opener scored a dozen fours and four sixes as he batted at a strike rate of 194. Samson kept his calm even when the team kept losing wickets at the other end.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “He comes from God’s own country and has become a crucial part of God’s plan. When he was selected, it seemed like he was the plan, but by the time the World Cup started, he was no longer the plan. Ishan Kishan had already taken that place. Abhishek Sharma was there with him. Sanju got a chance to play one game because Abhishek Sharma had a stomach problem.”
Chopra highlighted that Samson had to be included into the team’s playing XI after India’s top-order struggle against off-spin and Abhishek Sharma’s loss of form.
“He hit three sixes in that match, but then got out for 22. So it seemed like he got a chance, but hadn’t made the most of it. Then things changed. Off-spinners started coming and started getting batters out. Abhishek Sharma lost his form, and suddenly you realize that the opposing team introduces off-spinners every time, and we having two left-handers becomes a problem, and then enters Sanju Samson,” he elaborated.
The renowned commentator believes Samson might not have received his chance if India had not lost against South Africa.
“Sanju Samson wouldn’t have been in your thoughts had we not lost to South Africa. He wouldn’t have been in your thoughts had Abhishek Sharma not lost form because Ishan Kishan hasn’t done anything wrong. He was the Indian team’s highest run-scorer and was keeping decently, but the wicketkeeping gloves were taken away from him and he was removed from opening,” Chopra observed.
India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.
