Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign roared on with a commanding five-wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens, catapulting them into the semifinals. At the heart of the triumph was Sanju Samson’s explosive unbeaten 97, a knock that earned glowing tributes from Sourav Ganguly, India’s former skipper.
Ganguly, speaking candidly, positioned Samson as an elite white-ball talent primed for regular selection. ‘If he gets set on the crease, he’s a nightmare for bowlers,’ Dada noted, lauding the innings in a high-stakes game that mirrored quarterfinal pressure. Samson’s tactical brilliance—calibrating pace to the chase, exploiting field restrictions—proved pivotal.
This wasn’t mere fireworks; it was calculated dominance, blending finesse with ferocity to hand India the edge. Ganguly’s endorsement carries weight, signaling Samson’s evolution from promising prospect to match-winner.
However, the road to the final hits a formidable bump: England in the semis on March 5 at Wankhede. Ganguly urged vigilance: ‘England outclasses West Indies; stay sharp.’ India’s T20 ledger boasts 17 victories in 29 meetings, highlighted by the 2024 semi-final masterclass (68-run win) but scarred by 2022’s collapse.
Marking the third straight World Cup semi encounter, this fixture pulses with rivalry. Ganguly foresees victory, mirroring the West Indies script, provided India harnesses Samson’s momentum. As preparations intensify, all eyes on whether Suryakumar’s squad can conquer old foes once more.