NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson believes one more good innings could complete a remarkable personal turnaround after his explosive knock powered India into the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling victory over England in Mumbai.
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Samson smashed a breathtaking 89 off 42 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, guiding India to a massive 253/7 at the Wankhede Stadium. England fought hard through Jacob Bethell’s stunning 105 off 48 balls, but fell seven runs short, sending India into their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.
For Samson, the innings was another step in a redemption arc that has defined India’s campaign in the knockout stage.
The Kerala batter had earlier hammered an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in Kolkata, and his back-to-back match-winning knocks have come after a long phase of uncertainty in his career.
Speaking after the semifinal, Samson admitted the journey had been emotionally demanding.
“It feels really great, really relieving. I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country,” he said. “There was a lot of patience, a lot of inner work, training and practice.
But we still have one more step to go. ”
That final step, Samson hinted, could finally lift a huge weight off his shoulders.
“One more innings should be really good… one more match, then I will feel very light,” he added.
Samson admitted he had tried too hard during the difficult stretch of New Zealand series at home.
“In this format, even the best players struggle sometimes. I had to respect the game and go back to my basics,” he explained.
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To regain focus, he even chose to step away from social media.
“I closed all my windows, shut down my phone and stayed away from social media. Less noise helped me focus in the right direction,” Samson said.
The 31-year-old also emphasised the aggressive philosophy of India’s top order in the tournament.
“In the powerplay itself matches can be made or spoiled. As soon as you get a few balls, you try to attack. If it is your day, you bat long. If not, you support the others.”
Now, with India set to face New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Samson knows the job is not finished yet.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG Live Score updates, including the full schedule, teams, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
