There was talk about him not even being in the squad

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has lauded Sanju Samson for his match-winning knock against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2026 must-win game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, March 1. The cricketer-turned-analyst pointed out how Samson went from being questioned about his place in the squad to becoming a hero.

Calling the wicketkeeper-batter underrated, Clarke credited him for grabbing the opportunity with both hands in the midst of the T20 World Cup. He further commended him for his power and ability to maximize the powerplay overs. The remarks came as Samson blasted an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls, including 12 boundaries and four sixes, in a 196-run chase.

Speaking to Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, the 2015 World Cup-winning captain said:

“The one player for me that the entire tournament has gone under the radar. There was talk about him not even being in the squad, then he got selected, and then there was talk about who plays out of Sanju Samson, who I’m talking about, or Ishan Kishan. Ishan Kishan gets the nod and has an absolute cracker of a start to this tournament. Sanju Samson is probably sitting there thinking, ‘I’m not going to get an opportunity. I’m not going to get a game.’

He continued:

“What about his innings? 97 from 50 balls, opens the batting. You talk about handling pressure moments; he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. So, he’s definitely my player in the last couple of games to go under the radar. And again, I think without that innings, India don’t chase those runs. So, I think he should be super proud. He’s been given a crack; firstly, I’ve always thought he’s underrated. Certainly, playing in the shorter formats, certainly playing in Indian conditions.

“I think he’s built for stand and deliver. He’s got power. He’s got all the shots. At the top of the order, he maximizes the powerplay. He’s definitely my player that’s gone under the radar in the last few games. So, well done to him.”

“It was not an easy target” – Sunil Gavaskar in awe of Sanju Samson after T20 World Cup 2026 heroics against West Indies

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also heaped praise on Sanju Samson for delivering in a crunch match for the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup 2026. He told Star Sports in the post-match show (via Deccan Chronicle):

“This knock of 97 not out takes the weight off not just Sanju Samson’s shoulders, but off everyone who knows what a fine player he has been. He has had ups and downs, and we have felt them too because he is such a nice guy.

“Everybody wants him to do well. All Indian cricket fans will be happy that this sincere cricketer has got the success he deserves. To be the Man of the Match in a must-win game is a dream come true. You could see the emotions on Sanju’s face after he hit the winning runs.”

India will next play against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.