Sanju Samson emotional after beating Virat Kohli’s MCG epic, taking India to T20 World Cup semis: ‘Kept doubting myself’

Sanju Samson etched his name into Indian cricket folklore with a match-winning innings that propelled India into the T20 World Cup semi-finals and, by his own admission, exorcised years of self-doubt. Chasing West Indies at a heaving venue, Samson’s unbeaten knock steered India to a five-wicket victory and a last-four date with England.

Speaking moments after the winning runs were struck, an emotional Samson revealed the mental battles that have shadowed his career. “I kept doubting myself,” he said, eyes still glistening. “To do it when the team needed me the most makes everything feel worth it.”

The innings drew immediate comparisons to Virat Kohli’s iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground master-class, but statisticians confirmed Samson’s effort surpassed that celebrated chase, sealing India’s progress in dramatic fashion. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir lauded the performance, stating Samson “delivered when the team needed him the most,” while global outlets highlighted the right-hander’s power-packed stroke-play under pressure.

India’s win sets up a semi-final showdown against England, ensuring the tournament retains a heavyweight flavour as the knockout phase beckons.