Iqlas naha

T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson began the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup relegated to the bench for all but a single league match against Namibia in New Delhi. Many feared the tournament would see Samson as an unused member again, a fate he faced during the victorious 2024 campaign.

When it seemed another chapter of unfulfilled potential would be written for Samson, a dramatic turn saw him redrafted during the Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe. From there, Samson did more than just step into the light - he seized the stage to become the lead actor in India’s march to a third T20 World Cup title.

In a breathtaking time from March 1-8, Samson rewrote his own legacy. It began with an unforgettable, unbeaten 97 in a high-pressure encounter against the West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two sublime, identical knocks of 89 in the semi-final and final against England and New Zealand. By the time India had the trophy in their hands, Samson had amassed 321 runs across just five innings at a blistering strike rate of 199 to become the Player of the Tournament.