As the T20 World Cup 2026 fever grips the nation, a heartwarming off-field moment involving former India captain Sourav Ganguly has captured the attention of cricket fans and cinema enthusiasts alike. Popular Bengali actress Mimi Chakraborty took to social media to share a touching incident that showcased Ganguly’s legendary humility during a late-night flight, proving why he remains an icon beyond his cricketing achievements.

“Legend for a reason”: Mimi Chakraborty

The 37-year-old actress revealed that she was traveling on a late-night flight when she and her companions were allocated the only available seat – in the last row of economy class. What happened next left her deeply moved. Ganguly, who was seated in business class, chose to leave his comfortable accommodation and join them in the economy section.

Sharing a picture with the cricket legend on Instagram, Chakraborty penned an emotional caption that quickly went viral: “Late night flight, only last row available, and we said yes of course had to reach home and then this person leaves his business class to join us and definitely obliged every one who came for a picture or selfie (here by everyone I mean literally), answered a few Q&A’s too, in a world full of noise humility really touches deep. LEGEND FOR A REASON.”

The post resonated with thousands of fans who praised Ganguly’s down-to-earth nature, with many commenting that such gestures define true greatness far more than on-field accomplishments.

Chakraborty’s revelation comes at a time when Ganguly remains actively involved in cricket administration as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Beyond his administrative duties, the former BCCI President has also ventured into television, hosting the Bengali version of Kaun Banega Crorepati and making appearances on numerous Bengali TV shows.

On the cricketing front, Ganguly recently added another feather to his cap by coaching Pretoria Capitals to the SA20 2026 final, demonstrating that his cricketing acumen extends beyond playing and administration into mentorship and coaching.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Mammootty, Mohanlal and other film stars hail Sanju Samson after his match-winning knock against West Indies

Sourav Ganguly marks his presence in at the T20 World Cup 2026

The heartfelt plane moment gains additional significance given Ganguly’s active involvement in the ongoing T20 World Cup. As CAB President, he was present at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to witness India’s commanding five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the Super 8 clash – a win that secured the defending champions’ spot in the semifinals.

Ganguly watched intently as Sanju Samson delivered a match-winning knock of 97 not out, powering India to their highest-ever successful T20 World Cup chase of 196. The wicketkeeper-batter’s innings, featuring four sixes and 12 fours, drew widespread acclaim, including from the former captain himself.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals – Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

A viral claim circulating on social media suggests that Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela was spotted cheering for Team India during the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens – wearing a Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) jersey, reportedly in support of rumoured boyfriend and LSG captain Rishabh Pant.

Urvashi Rautela in new LSG jersey: What started the speculations?

Social media posts began circulating during India’s record-breaking chase against the West Indies on March 1, claiming that Urvashi was spotted in the stands at Eden Gardens wearing the new LSG jersey. The speculation was fuelled by the actress’s long-standing association with Rishabh Pant in gossip columns, with users suggesting she was there to promote the new LSG kit, which has recently been launched by the franchise for IPL 2026.

Did Urvashi Rautela watch the India vs West Indies T20 World Cup clash at the Eden Gardens? 

Despite the buzz on social media, the claims about Urvashi being present in Kolkata on Sunday (March 1) are completely untrue. She was not at Eden Gardens for the India vs West Indies clash. In fact, the viral image being shared online is an old photo from the India vs Pakistan match in Dubai during the Champions Trophy 2025. The picture has been digitally altered using an AI tool, with her outfit edited to make it appear as though she was wearing an LSG jersey. Therefore, reports suggesting she attended the IND vs WI match in Kolkata are entirely false and misleading.

Also READ: Top 3 highest run-chases by India in T20 World Cup history

Urvashi Rautela’s repeated denials of dating Rishabh Pant

In multiple interviews, Urvashi has addressed and dismissed the circulating rumours of being in a relationship with Pant. Speaking to NDTV, she clarified that the speculation surrounding her and Pant is “baseless” and emphasized her focus on her career.

“It’s not just about one interview; it’s about consistently having to address baseless rumours and memes. I prefer to keep my personal life personal,” Rautela stated in a recent interview. “My focus remains on my career and the work I’m passionate about.”

She expressed frustration over the relentless scrutiny of her personal life, describing the rumours and memes as “meaningless.”  “I don’t understand why meme material pages get so excited about these unfounded things,” she added.

India’s victory overshadows off-field distractions

While social media buzzed with off-field speculation, the real story at Eden Gardens was Sanju Samson’s breathtaking unbeaten 97 off 50 balls, powering India to their highest-ever successful T20 World Cup chase of 196 and securing a semifinal berth. The defending champions will now face England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5, with cricket fans eagerly awaiting the blockbuster clash.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Mammootty, Mohanlal and other film stars hail Sanju Samson after his match-winning knock against West Indies

The atmosphere at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata was nothing short of electric on Sunday as India faced the West Indies in a high-stakes encounter. This 52nd match of the T20 World Cup 2026, a crucial Super Eights Group 1 fixture, was effectively a virtual quarter-final. While the pressure was palpable, it was Sanju Samson who rose to the occasion, delivering a masterclass that not only secured India’s spot in the semi-finals but also triggered an emotional wave across social media, led by his biggest supporter—his wife, Charulatha Remesh.

Sanju Samson’s masterclass draw heartfelt reaction from wife Charulatha Remesh

As Samson played the innings of his life, his wife Charulatha took to social media to express her pride and joy. Known for being a steady pillar of support through Samson’s turbulent international career, Charulatha’s posts resonated deeply with fans who have witnessed the batter’s journey of patience and perseverance.

On her Instagram story, Charulatha shared a rare, candid selfie with Sanju, capturing a quiet moment of togetherness amidst the World Cup frenzy. She captioned the story with a touch of wit and deep affection: “Day so special that a selfie was granted,” followed by the poignant declaration, “My Number 1 from Day 1.”

The celebration didn’t stop there. Charulatha also shared a dedicated post featuring the star batter, choosing words that reflected the magnitude of the achievement and the grace with which Sanju handles both criticism and success. Her caption read:

“Because some moments have to be accepted not explained. Blessed & forever grateful to call this MAN, ‘Mine.”

These heartfelt tributes quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments to celebrate the “Samson era” and the couple’s enduring bond.

Also READ: Sanju Samson reflects on his batting performance that powered India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

India march into the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals riding on Samson’s batting heroics

The match itself was a testament to Samson’s tactical brilliance and big-match temperament. Chasing a formidable target of 196, India found themselves in a precarious position after losing early wickets. However, Samson, who was promoted to the top of the order to counter the West Indies spin threat, anchored the chase with surgical precision.

He played a breathtaking, unbeaten knock of 97 off just 50 deliveries, peppered with 12 boundaries and 4 towering sixes. His ability to navigate the dew factor and maintain a high strike rate under immense scoreboard pressure was the difference-maker. When India needed 7 runs in the final over, Samson finished the game with a flourish, hitting a six and a boundary to seal a five-wicket victory with four balls to spare.

This win ensures India will face England in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. For Samson, this wasn’t just about the runs; it was about silencing the critics and proving his mettle on the grandest stage of all. As he dropped to his knees in gratitude at the final whistle, it was clear that this ‘Samson Special’ had finally etched his name into Indian cricketing folklore.

Also READ: Fans raise questions over Shimron Hetmyer’s controversial dismissal in IND vs WI Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

The atmosphere at the Eden Gardens on Sunday was nothing short of electric as India locked horns with the West Indies in the 52nd match of the T20 World Cup.

In Super Eights, Group 1 encounter, the stakes couldn’t have been higher: it was a virtual quarterfinal with a semi-final berth on the line. While the scoreboard will reflect a historic five-wicket victory for the Men in Blue, the world is talking about a singular, soul-stirring moment of sportsmanship. As the winning runs were hit, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did the unthinkable, he doffed his cap and bowed deeply to Sanju Samson, a gesture that has since set the internet ablaze.

Suryakumar Yadav emotionally bows to Sanju Samson 

Chasing a mammoth target of 196 on a gripping Kolkata surface, India found themselves in early trouble against a fiery Caribbean pace attack. However, what followed was a masterclass in poise and power. Samson, often the subject of intense selection debates, played the innings of his life. Scoring an unbeaten 97 off just 50 deliveries, the Kerala-born batter dismantled the West Indies bowling lineup with 12 elegant fours and 4 towering sixes.

When Samson struck the final boundary to seal the chase, the dugout erupted. But it was the captain’s reaction that truly humanized the triumph. As a weary Samson walked toward the boundary ropes, Suryakumar met him halfway, bowing low in a tribute to his teammate’s resilience.

“I always say, good things happen to good people who wait, who have a lot of patience,” an emotional Suryakumar remarked during the post-match presentation. He emphasized that this wasn’t just about one match, but about the “quiet grind” Samson endured behind the scenes while waiting for his moment on the world stage.

Here’s the video:

The same mouths that laughed will bow one day. pic.twitter.com/W7u3dAWHqQ

— Beast (@Beast__07_) March 1, 2026

Also READ: Sanju Samson reflects on his batting performance that powered India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

India marches to semi-final after record chase

This victory does more than just provide a viral video; it officially secures India’s spot in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. By hunting down 196, India recorded their highest-ever successful run-chase in the history of the tournament. The win showcases a middle-order depth that has often been questioned, with Samson finally cementing his legacy as a big-game player. The synergy between the captain’s leadership and Samson’s clinical finishing has transformed India into the team to beat.

The Men in Blue are now scheduled to fly to Mumbai, where they will face a formidable England side in the semi-final this coming Thursday. With the momentum of the ‘Kolkata Heist’ behind them and the viral image of Suryakumar’s bow serving as a testament to their team unity, India look poised to reclaim the global throne. For the fans, however, the result was almost secondary to the sight of a captain honouring a teammate who finally got his ‘fruit at the perfect stage.’

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir makes bold statement after India beat West Indies to reach T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

The 52nd match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens was nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. On Sunday, the hallowed turf of Kolkata played host to a Super Eights clash between India and the West Indies. In a winner-takes-all scenario, India successfully chased down a daunting 196 to secure their spot in the semi-finals, silencing skeptics and sending a raucous 65,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.

The hero of the night was Sanju Samson, whose unbeaten 97 off 50 balls broke Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the highest individual score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup chase.

Mohammad Amir’s prediction for India during the Super 8 stage

While the Men in Blue were busy dismantling the West Indies bowling attack, social media was ablaze with the ghost of a failed prophecy. Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir had become the center of a digital storm following his repeated claims that India would not reach the semi-finals. During the Super Eight stage, appearing on the show “Haarna Mana Hai,” Amir had boldly asserted that South Africa and the West Indies were the favourites to progress from Group 1.

His most viral moment came when he dismissed India’s chances with a smug, “Pakistan qualify kare na kare, India naaaa” (Whether Pakistan qualifies or not, India won’t). Amir even doubled down on this stance after India’s earlier loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad, where he was mockingly labeled an ‘astrologer’ by the show’s host. He pointed toward India’s fielding lapses and a perceived over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah as signs of an impending exit. However, the resilient performance at Eden Gardens effectively turned his ‘astrology’ into a meme.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Mammootty, Mohanlal and other film stars hail Sanju Samson after his match-winning knock against West Indies

Indian fans roast Mohammad Amir as Men in Blue march into T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

As soon as India reached the target of 199/5 with four balls to spare, the phrase “Pehli fursat me nikal” (Leave at the first opportunity) began trending globally. Indian fans, never ones to forget a slight, used the famous meme to escort Amir out of the tournament’s conversation. The irony was palpable: Amir had predicted the West Indies would eliminate India, but it was India who ended the Windies’ campaign on the same ground where the Caribbean side had famously won the title in 2016.

Even in the aftermath, a defiant Amir tried to pivot, calling Shimron Hetmyer’s dismissal ‘controversial’ and claiming India was still “not playing good cricket” despite the win. But for the Indian faithful, the results spoke louder than the rhetoric. With a semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium now confirmed for March 5, the ‘Men in Blue’ have moved forward, leaving Amir’s failed predictions behind in the dust of Kolkata.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Dear Tuchia Mohammad Amir, where are you? pic.twitter.com/i68kCaiPEi

— Kunal Vimal 🇮🇳 (@kvQuote) March 2, 2026

Mohammad Amir —

• The same bowler who conceded 18 runs in a Super Over against USA.
• The same player who served a ban for spot-fixing.
• The same guy who recently tried switching countries just to get into the Indian Premier League.

And now he’s all over the internet trying… pic.twitter.com/CzuDys4iFc

— Santosh Mali (@maligujrati) March 2, 2026

After his prediction went wrong, now Mohammad Amir has a new Lahori Churan for you 😂

Even on our worst day, we chased down 197 quite comfortably 🇮🇳#SanjuSamson was phenomenal vs West Indies at Eden Garden 💥#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/jCbMjbveDn

— Nafees (@Nafees_22) March 2, 2026

Mohammad Amir Exposed, India qualify for semifinals of t20 world cup #mohammadamir #INDvsWI #IndvsEND #CricketNews #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/EysJ7KUSFQ

— Chandan Chand (@ckchandan92) March 2, 2026

Let’s laugh on Mohammad Amir. 😂 pic.twitter.com/W52Cj05kOB

— FairWin247 (@FairWin_247) March 2, 2026

Mohammad Amir: “Pakistan qualify kare ya na kare, India nahi karegi”

Le Sanju Samson: pic.twitter.com/epOk9W3zRV

— Rahul. (@merii_mrziii) March 2, 2026

Suryakumar Yadav and co. proved Mohammad Amir wrong. pic.twitter.com/9dd9PbqCU4

— Sah Aditya (@AkashGupta44333) March 2, 2026

All Indians to Mohammad Amir – Ladle म्याऊँ… Gap..gap..gap..gap…
😆😆😆#SanjuSamson #INDvsWI #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/yhso5he7Sq

— राजस्थानी मुर्गा 🐓🇮🇳 (@PmDeshma) March 2, 2026

Mohammad Amir messed with the wrong person 😭 pic.twitter.com/h7bjUzfcyS

— Mihawk (@nanuchinmay) March 2, 2026

After winning the Match Indians to Mohammad Amir: pic.twitter.com/LYS6PyTrYQ

— बतोलेबाज (@batolebaazz) March 2, 2026

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav heartwarmingly bows to Sanju Samson after India reaches the semis; video goes viral

India’s sensational five-wicket victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday not only secured their semifinal berth in the T20 World Cup 2026 but also etched their name in the record books with the highest successful run-chase in the country’s T20 World Cup history. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson powered the defending champions to overhaul a challenging target of 196, surpassing India’s previous best chase set over a decade ago.

Top three highest run-chases by India in T20 World Cup history

1. 196 vs West Indies, Eden Gardens, Kolkata (2026) 

Target: 196 | Score: 199/5 in 19.2 overs | Margin: 5 wickets

India’s record-breaking chase unfolded on March 1, 2026, at the iconic Eden Gardens in what was effectively a virtual quarterfinal for both teams . The West Indies, asked to bat first, posted a formidable 195/4, powered by late fireworks from Jason Holder (37 not out off 22) and Rovman Powell (34 not out off 19), whose unbeaten 76-run partnership off just 35 balls propelled the Caribbean side to a challenging total.

India’s pursuit began shakily, losing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan inside the powerplay to slump to 41/2 . However, Sanju Samson, playing only his third match of the tournament, anchored the innings with sublime composure. He stitched a vital 58-run partnership with skipper Suryakumar Yadav (18), followed by crucial stands with Tilak Varma (27 off 15) and Hardik Pandya (17), before Shivam Dube finished the chase with four balls to spare.

Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 deliveries – featuring 12 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 194 – rewrote record books. It became:

• The highest individual score by an Indian in a successful T20 World Cup chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 against Australia (2016) and Pakistan (2022)
• The second-highest individual score for India in any T20 World Cup innings, behind only Suresh Raina’s 101 against South Africa in 2010
• India’s first instance of chasing down a 180+ target in T20 World Cup history

This chase also ranked as the third-highest successful run-chase in overall T20 World Cup history, behind England’s 230 against South Africa in 2016 and South Africa’s 206 against West Indies in 2007.

2. 173 vs South Africa, Mirpur (2014) 

Target: 173 | Score: 176/4 in 19.1 overs | Margin: 6 wickets

For nearly 12 years, India’s 2014 chase against South Africa in Mirpur stood as their highest successful run-chase in T20 World Cup history. The match, played on April 4, 2014, during the Super 10 stage, saw South Africa post 172/4, with Quinton de Kock scoring 52 and JP Duminy contributing an unbeaten 39.

India’s response was orchestrated by the peerless Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 72 off 44 balls, an innings that combined classical strokeplay with calculated aggression. Kohli found able support from Suresh Raina, who chipped in with a quickfire 18-ball 27, as India coasted to victory with five balls remaining.

This chase remained India’s benchmark for over a decade, demonstrating Kohli’s remarkable prowess in run-chases – a legacy that would later see him register two identical 82* scores in subsequent World Cups.

3. 161 vs Australia, Mohali (2016)

Target: 161 | Score: 161/4 in 19.1 overs | Margin: 6 wickets

Tied with India’s 160-run chase against Pakistan in Melbourne (2022), the 2016 chase against Australia at Mohali stands as India’s joint third-highest successful run-chase in T20 World Cup history.

Also READ: Top 5 highest team totals in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history

On March 27, 2016, India faced a formidable Australian side in a crucial group-stage encounter at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. Australia posted 160/6, with Aaron Finch scoring 43 and Glenn Maxwell adding 31. In response, India lost early wickets before Virat Kohli produced one of his most celebrated T20 knocks—an unbeaten 82 off 51 balls, laced with nine fours and two sixes.

Kohli’s innings, combined with Yuvraj Singh’s quickfire 21, guided India home with five balls to spare. The knock became synonymous with Kohli’s reputation as the world’s best chaser and remained the highest Indian score in a T20 World Cup chase until Samson’s heroics in 2026.

Honorable mention: 160 vs Pakistan, Melbourne (2022)

Target: 160 | Score: 160/6 in 20 overs | Margin: 4 wickets

India’s chase of 160 against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 23, 2022, deserves special mention as it almost matches the 161-run chase in the record books. In front of a packed stadium of over 90,000 fans, India found themselves struggling at 31/4 before Virat Kohli (82 not out off 53) and Hardik Pandya (40) staged a miraculous recovery, sealing victory on the final ball of the innings. The chase remains one of the most dramatic in T20 World Cup history.

Also READ: Top 3 biggest run defeats for India in the T20 World Cup history

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule for Afghanistan’s highly anticipated tour of India, set to take place in June 2026. This bilateral encounter, occurring just after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, will see the Men in Blue take on the rising Blue Tigers in a multi-format series. The tour is highlighted by a historic one-off Test match and a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, marking a significant chapter in the growing cricketing rivalry between the two nations.

The tour kicks off with the longest format of the game before transitioning into the white-ball leg. Following the conclusion of the IPL, Indian fans will see a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent return to national colours. Notably, this series serves as a crucial preparation window for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with batting stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to lead the charge in the 50-over format.

IPL venue to make historic Test debut

In a landmark move for Indian cricket infrastructure, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) is set to host its first-ever Test match. The red-ball fixture will take place from June 6 to June 10, signaling the venue’s evolution from a preferred IPL destination to a sanctioned Test center.

Cricket enthusiasts in the region have long awaited this moment. While the stadium has previously hosted high-octane T20 encounters, the five-day format will test the character of the surface and the endurance of the players under the summer sun. For Afghanistan, this is only their second Test match against India. Their debut in the format back in 2018 at Bengaluru was a tough introduction, where India secured a dominant victory by an innings and 262 runs. The Mullanpur Test offers the visitors a fresh opportunity to showcase their technical growth in the longest version of the game.

Also READ: Sanju Samson reflects on his batting performance that powered India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

Schedule for India’s home series against Afghanistan

Following the Test match, the focus will shift to a three-match ODI series starting June 14. This leg of the tour is particularly historic as it marks the first-ever bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan; their previous encounters in the 50-over format have been limited to multi-team tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The series will travel across the length of the country, beginning in the scenic Dharamsala on June 14. The action then moves to the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on June 17, before concluding at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 20. Historically, India hold the upper hand with three wins in four ODI meetings, though the memorable tie during the 2018 Asia Cup serves as a reminder of Afghanistan’s ability to punch above their weight.

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir makes bold statement after India beat West Indies to reach T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

Sanju Samson’s scintillating 97 not out off just 50 balls against the West Indies at Eden Gardens has not only powered India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals but also unleashed a wave of celebrations across the country, particularly in his home state of Kerala. Leading the chorus of praise were Malayalam cinema’s biggest superstars, including Mammootty, Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who took to social media to hail the cricketer’s “fearless statement on the biggest stage.” 

Mammootty leads celebrity praise for Sanju Samson

Megastar Mammootty was among the first to react to Samson’s heroic knock, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration. “What a knock, @IamSanjuSamson. Pure class. Pure dominance. A fearless statement on the biggest stage. Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for marching into the #T20WorldCup2026 Semi Final,” Mammootty wrote, capturing the sentiment of millions of fans who witnessed the match.

The post quickly went viral, with fans agreeing that Samson’s fearless approach against a formidable West Indian bowling attack exemplified exactly the kind of dominance required in a high-pressure World Cup encounter.

Mohanlal applauds Samson’s “masterful innings” as India storm into the semifinals

Mohanlal, another legendary figure in Malayalam cinema, was equally effusive in his praise. “Exhilarating to watch @IamSanjuSamson in such sublime form! A truly masterful innings that speaks volumes of his character and talent. Hearty congratulations to the entire Indian team for storming into the #T20WorldCup2026 Semi-Finals. Keep the flag flying high!” the actor posted, sharing a picture of Samson looking skyward after sealing the victory.

Exhilarating to watch @IamSanjuSamson in such sublime form! A truly masterful innings that speaks volumes of his character and talent. Hearty congratulations to the entire Indian team for storming into the #T20WorldCup2026 Semi-Finals. Keep the flag flying high! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/jLMYCQSOWc

— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) March 1, 2026

The message resonated deeply with cricket fans in Kerala, who have long championed Samson’s inclusion in the national team and watched with pride as their homegrown talent delivered on the grandest stage.

“One of the greatest T20 innings ever”: Prithviraj’s shoutout 

Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran took to his Instagram story to give a special shoutout to Samson, describing the knock in remarkable terms. “One of the greatest T20 innings ever! That too in a virtual quarter final on the World Cup stage!” he captioned his post.

Prithviraj’s assessment was echoed by cricket analysts worldwide, who noted that Samson’s ability to remain unbeaten while guiding a record chase of 196 – India’s highest successful T20 World Cup chase – elevated the innings to legendary status.

‘The Kerala Story’: CS Amudhan’s witty tribute 

Adding a touch of humor to the celebrations, Tamil director CS Amudhan, known for the “Tamizh Padam” film series, coined a phrase that quickly gained traction online. “THE KERALA STORY: Sanju Samson takes India to the semis,” Amudhan posted, cleverly repurposing the title of a controversial film to celebrate Samson’s match-winning heroics .

The witty remark captured the essence of the moment—a Kerala cricketer single-handedly steering India to semi-final qualification in front of a capacity crowd at Eden Gardens.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Suryakumar Yadav heartwarmingly bows to Sanju Samson after India reaches the semis; video goes viral

Mollywood unites to celebrate Sanju Samson’s record-breaking knock

The outpouring of praise extended across Mollywood’s celebrity spectrum. Nivin Pauly wrote, “India into the SEMIS! What a sensational knock by @imsanjusamson! Take a bow, champion!”  Dulquer Salmaan shared a picture of Samson with clapping and heart-eye emojis, while Tovino Thomas posted simply, “What an innings!!”

Kalidas Jayaram expressed his pride, writing “Proud of you Macha” , while director Basil Joseph appreciated Samson’s never-give-up attitude, calling it a “statement of an innings.”  Veteran actor Prakash Raj offered a heartfelt “Thank you @IamSanjuSamson.”

Samson’s 97* against the West Indies on Sunday guided India to their highest successful T20I chase in World Cup history at Eden Gardens. The innings surpassed Virat Kohli’s 82 to become the second-highest individual score for India in T20 World Cups .

Remarkably, this marked the first instance in 29 run-chases across T20Is and IPL where Samson remained unbeaten till the end of the innings while opening the batting.

With India now set to face England in the semi-final on March 5 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Samson’s form has given the defending champions renewed hope of retaining their title.

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir makes bold statement after India beat West Indies to reach T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world with a stunning post-match admission that he “doesn’t believe in data” and relies purely on instinct, following India’s five-wicket victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens that sealed their semifinal berth in the T20 World Cup 2026. The former India opener’s remarkable statement came after Sanju Samson powered the defending champions to a record chase of 196, setting up a blockbuster semifinal clash against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.

“I don’t even know what data is all about”: Gautam Gambhir

During the post-match press conference in Kolkata, Gambhir was questioned about the extent to which he depends on data and analytics while preparing for opponents in the World Cup. His response was characteristically blunt and uncompromising .

“I don’t believe in data, honestly. I have never seen data. I don’t even know what data is all about. I absolutely do not believe in it,” Gambhir declared, leaving journalists stunned.

The head coach elaborated on his philosophy, emphasizing that T20 cricket demands intuitive decision-making rather than statistical analysis. “I feel T20s are more about instinct and backing your instinct as well. Whatever knowledge I have about the game and the T20 format, I give it to the captain and try to help him out as much as I can. But ultimately, it is the captain who takes the final call.” 

Gambhir’s dismissal of data-driven approaches represents a significant departure from modern coaching trends, where analytics and match-up statistics have become increasingly prevalent across international cricket.

The head coach also dismissed another widely discussed concept in tournament cricket – the notion of “peaking at the right time.” When asked if he felt India were hitting their stride at the perfect moment heading into the semifinals, Gambhir rejected the premise entirely.

“Look, I don’t believe in all this peaking at the right time. You’ve got to win every game that you represent your country in. There is nothing like peaking at the right time,” Gambhir asserted.

He stressed that in a short tournament like the T20 World Cup, consistency matters more than timing. “It’s a short tournament that comes and goes very quickly, so you’ve got to try and play your A game every time. You can’t take any opposition for granted.” 

“He never accelerated the innings”: Gambhir’s unique take on Sanju Samson’s masterclass

Gambhir reserved special praise for Sanju Samson, whose unbeaten 97 off just 50 balls guided India to their highest successful T20 World Cup chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s iconic knocks from 2016 and 2022. However, the coach’s analysis of the innings was characteristically nuanced.

“I actually thought that he never accelerated the innings. It was just very normal cricketing shots. I never saw him muscling the ball. That is the kind of talent he has,” Gambhir observed.

Also READ: Sanju Samson reflects on his batting performance that powered India into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals

The coach revealed that Samson’s return to form was carefully managed after a difficult bilateral series against New Zealand in January, where the wicketkeeper-batter registered scores of 10, 6, 0, 24 and 6 .

“Obviously, he had a tough series against New Zealand. So sometimes it’s important to give him a break as well, because you want to get the guy off that pressure situation,” Gambhir explained.

“Against Zimbabwe, he delivered for us. We got a start that we wanted in the first three overs. And today, again, from where he left against Zimbabwe, he showcased his talent. And this is what we expect from Sanju to do more consistently.” 

In a poignant moment that reflected his own 2011 World Cup final experience – where his match-defining 97 is often overshadowed by the winning six – Gambhir emphasized that all contributions deserve recognition .

“For too many years, we’ve only spoken about certain contributions. This is a team sport. For me, Shivam’s two boundaries are as important as Sanju’s 97. The big contribution makes headlines. The small contribution that can help the team win, cross that line, is going to be very important. That’s going to be the philosophy going forward till I am there.”

As India prepare to face England in Thursday’s semifinal in Mumbai, Gambhir’s instinct-over-data approach will face its toughest test yet against a formidable opponent seeking revenge for the 2024 semifinal defeat.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals – Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its thrilling knockout stage, with the four semifinalists confirmed following India’s victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday, March 1. Defending champions India will face England in a blockbuster second semifinal, while tournament unbeaten South Africa takes on New Zealand in the first semifinal.

T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals: Schedule

The semifinals will be played across two iconic Indian venues on successive nights, with both matches starting at 7:00 PM IST.

• First Semifinal: South Africa vs New Zealand
• Date: Wednesday, March 4
• Time: 7:00 pm IST (Toss at 6:30 pm IST)
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

South Africa enters the contest as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having won all seven matches played so far. The Proteas defeated New Zealand earlier in the tournament by seven wickets on February 14 in Ahmedabad. The Black Caps, finalists in 2021, will be eager to settle scores and return to the summit clash after five years.

• Second Semifinal: India vs England
• Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Time: 7:00 pm IST (Toss at 6:30 pm IST)
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

This fixture renews one of modern cricket’s most intense rivalries. India and England have met five times previously in T20 World Cups, with India winning three encounters and England two. The teams faced each other in the 2024 semifinal, where India emerged victorious by 68 runs in Guyana. However, England exacted revenge in the 2022 edition in Adelaide, defeating India by 10 wickets.

How the teams reached the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals?

South Africa dominated Group 1 of the Super 8s, defeating India, Zimbabwe and the West Indies to maintain their perfect record. They had previously topped their group stage with four wins out of four.

India secured their semifinal berth with a crucial victory over the West Indies in the final Super 8 fixture on Sunday. Chasing 196, Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls guided the defending champions home with four balls to spare.

England topped Group 2 with three consecutive wins against Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, becoming the first team to secure semifinal qualification.

New Zealand progressed despite losing to England in their final Super 8 match, courtesy of their superior net run rate following a rain-abandoned game against Pakistan.

Also READ: Will PCB sack him? Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha responds after T20 World Cup debacle

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Broadcast details (Radio)