Wanted to keep on focusing on my process – Sanju Samson after match-winning knock against West Indies

India rode high on Sanju Samson's knock, an unbeaten 50-ball 97, which fuelled their record chase against the West Indies in what was a virtual quarter-final of the T20 World Cup 2026. There were countless twists and turns, with the West Indies chipping away at the Indian wickets at one end. However, Samson held fort resolutely, braving all odds to deliver a batting masterclass and seize the bragging rights of the game for Team India.

Winning the Player of the Match award for his defining knock, Sanju Samson shed light on how the equation kept on oscillating for India against the West Indies. Despite the odds, Samson pointed out that he was ready for any challenge that arose and he stuck to his guns.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Samson said, “So I think last game we were batting first, so it was all about setting a very high score. So that’s how I wanted to go big right from ball one. But this game was completely different. I think as soon as I wanted to go a bit higher, we were losing wickets. So I think I wanted to build a partnership, wanted to keep on focusing on my process. And I never felt that I will do something special like this, but I was just focusing on my role and just keeping one ball at a time and very grateful. I think this is one of the greatest days of my life.”

Samson concluded with a quick word about how special the Eden crowd was, adding, “Yeah, definitely they do bring lot of energy and they do bring lot of support. But I think on the other end, there is always a question, what if not? (smiles loudly) So definitely that keeps on playing in your mind. But when that thought kept on coming, I just brought myself into the present moment and just looked at the ball and trusted myself to react according to the ball in merit. So I think that worked out pretty well today."