Zimbabwe’s ‘Castle Corner’ created a magic during their last Super Eight match against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday (Picture credit: Tanuj Lakhina | TimesofIndia.com)

NEW DELHI: The first tier of Gate 15 of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi had a different vibe on Sunday. On the field, Zimbabwe were bidding to salvage some pride against the semi-final-bound South Africa in their last 2026 T20 World Cup match. Zimbabwe had every reason to be proud of their tournament even though they conceded 510 runs in the two Super Eight matches against West Indies and India.In the aftermath of such brutal assaults, the stunning wins against Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage felt like a distant memory. Yet, for the fans in red occupying the corner of the first row, it mattered little. The famed ‘Castle Corner’ cheered every Sikandar Raza boundary, every stray run in between and rose in unison with every appeal and every wicket. Even though it was bright and warm, this pack of six and the college students from the capital who joined them kept singing and dancing.

The ‘Castle Corner’ comes from their place at the iconic Harare Sports Club, where they have historically orchestrated many noisy days – just what Sri Lanka and later India witnessed in the past couple of weeks.The six fans – Malvin Kwaramba, Brian Hwenjer, Godwin Mamhiyo, Leonah Tanikwa, Abel Mataranyika and Ben Gotora – had started making plans a year in advance and pooled their savings for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Social media and local Embassies helped get the word out, and more fans started to trickle in, such as those from Uganda and Kenya in Delhi.

Fans of Zimbabwe react during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 match between Australia and Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13, 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“Last year, a group of us just came together and we decided, ‘look, it’s not every time that you get to watch a World Cup in Asia.’ I mean Asia is the home of cricket. You talk Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India… they love cricket. So we wanted to experience this, we wanted to be here,” explained Godwin, who is an accountant back home.“So we came together as a group and put money together and managed to go to Colombo. Our money was enough for Colombo for the group stages,” he continued.As they were bracing for the flight back home from Colombo, a private entity contacted them to extend their stay in the subcontinent. They took care of their flights from Sri Lanka to India and the hotels in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.

Zimbabwe fans cheering for their side against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (Photo credit: Tanuj Lakhina | TimesofIndia.com)

With that, the foot-tapping songs reached India and the capital on Sunday. Even though the songs are in Shona and Ndebele, the two major dialects, references to the current squad members make them easier for everyone to follow.“Most of the songs are derived from things that we sing back home. Africans in general, they like singing. That’s who we are. So most of them are derived from what we do at home,” said Godwin.“And then we include the players’ names. You’ve got Vanofambane Mweya Mutsvene (‘We are moving with the Holy Spirit’) which is then coupled with a player’s name. We’ve got songs for almost every player out there. But everything comes from our culture and what we do back home,” he went on.Godwin is not new to the spectacle of a World Cup. As a youngster, his first brush with the elite tournament came back in 2003 when Zimbabwe co-hosted the ODI World Cup alongside South Africa and Kenya. The 2027 ODI World Cup will return to the region with Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia as co-hosts. What should the travelling Indian fans expect?

Zimbabwe’s famed ‘Castle Corner’ set of supporters made their presence felt at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in new Delhi (Photo Courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina | TimesofIndia.com)

“You’ve only seen the seven of us. There’s 250 people doing what we’re doing back home! Every Indian person has been nice to us. They’ve been great. We cannot wait to welcome them into the Harare Sports Club, into the Queen’s Sports Club and give them the same welcome they gave us,” said Godwin with a beaming smile.For now, Zimbabwe are assured of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. This comes after the lows of not qualifying for the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups, as well as the 2021 and 2024 T20 World Cups. A year and a half ago, Zimbabwe were playing regional qualifiers to try and book their spot in the ongoing edition.“You talk about the peak of Zimbabwe cricket. I think this team here is following in those footsteps. If you look at the likes of (Brian) Bennett, the Marumanis (Tadiwanashe Marumani), Muzarabanis (Blessing Muzarabani), they’ve still got years to go. They’re still learning the game. And I believe they will reach good heights,” said a hopeful Godwin.

Raza pays tribute to Castle Corner

In the end, on the pitch, Zimbabwe’s effort was for naught as South Africa crossed the finish line without much drama. Shortly after the winning runs were hit, Zimbabwe acknowledged their faithful fans who spent a considerable amount of savings to be here. First, the playing XI and the support staff walked across in front of the Gautam Gambhir stand to thank the fans. Then, having completed his broadcast duties, Sikandar Raza did the same but as a leader of the side.

Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe celebrates the wicket of Aiden Markram of South Africa during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Super 8 match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

He thanked the small-but-loud group of supporters that any team would be proud to call their own. In the post-match press conference, Raza shed light on their personal connection with the bunch.“We have a personal relationship with the Castle Corner fans,” Raza said. “We know each member by name. We know their families, their kids, and everything. They are not just fans for us, they are pretty much part of our family. I want to say to them, ‘You’re the champions of Zimbabwe for the support you guys have shown us, and the respect.'”

For the ‘Castle Corner,’ the next stop in being the Zimbabwean cricket team’s 12th man is the tri-series in Namibia in August, which also features South Africa. It will present another opportunity for Zimbabwe to beat the Proteas for the first time in a T20I. For now, the squad and its fans can return home with their head held high.

Sourav Ganguly (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly described Sanju Samson’s match-winning 97* as “outstanding” and termed him a “very good player” after the wicketkeeper-batter powered India into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a crucial win over West Indies in a must-win Super 8 clash.Samson smashed an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls as India chased down a stiff 196-run target to secure a five-wicket victory in the do-or-die encounter, guiding Suryakumar Yadav’s men into the last four.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Ganguly heaped praise on Samson and underlined that the Kerala batter deserves consistent opportunities in India’s white-ball setup.“Outstanding. He’s a very good player. He should consistently play for India in the white-ball,” Ganguly said.With both India and West Indies tied on points in the Super 8 standings, the Kolkata fixture effectively turned into a knockout, with the winner advancing to join South Africa, New Zealand and England in the semifinals. India’s victory set up a last-four clash against England on March 5.Ganguly termed the India-West Indies encounter a virtual quarterfinal and lauded Samson’s composure, stressing how dangerous he can be once he settles in.“You know, when he gets in, he’ll hurt the opposition. He played to the situation which is important,” Ganguly added.Looking ahead to the semifinal against England, the former India skipper noted that the Three Lions would pose a tougher challenge than West Indies.In the match itself, India won the toss and opted to field. West Indies openers Roston Chase (40 off 25 balls, five fours and a six) and captain Shai Hope (32 off 33 balls, three fours and a six) added 68 for the first wicket. However, despite a quickfire cameo from Shimron Hetmyer (27 off 12 balls, one four and two sixes), the hosts slipped to 119/4 in 14.1 overs.A late onslaught from Jason Holder (37* off 22 balls, two fours and three sixes) and Rovman Powell (34* off 19 balls, three fours and two sixes) saw the duo stitch together a 76-run stand in just 35 balls, lifting West Indies to 195/4 in their 20 overs.Jasprit Bumrah (2/36 in four overs) was India’s standout bowler, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya claimed one wicket each, conceding 40 runs apiece in their four-over spells.In reply, India were rocked early, reduced to 41/2 inside the powerplay. A 58-run partnership between Samson and Suryakumar Yadav (18) steadied the innings and revived the chase. Samson then combined effectively with Tilak Varma (27 off 15 balls, four boundaries and a six), Hardik Pandya (17) and Shivam Dube (8*) to guide India home with five wickets in hand, sealing a memorable win and a semifinal berth.

Gautam Gambhir Head Coach of India during a net session at Eden Gardens on February 28, 2026 in Kolkata, India. (Photo/Getty Images)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said every effort in a team game deserves recognition, stressing that contributions often overlooked are as important as headline performances.After India’s win over West Indies on Sunday, which ensured them a semi-final birth, Gambhir pointed out that Shivam Dube’s two boundaries in the penultimate over were crucial to the result, just like Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97.“Glad you’re talking about every contribution because for many years, we’ve only spoken about certain contributions. This is a team sport, and this will always remain a team sport,” Gambhir said.“For me, Shivam’s two boundaries are as important as Sanju’s 97 because if he hadn’t hit those two boundaries, you won’t even spoken about it (97-run knock).”“The big contribution makes headlines. The small contribution, the contribution that can help the team win, cross that line, are very important,” the India coach said.Gambhir said this approach would define his tenure as coach.“And that’s why I say that this is going to be the philosophy going forward till I am there.”

My coaching mantra is based on instinct not data

While data analysis plays a key role in modern T20 cricket, Gambhir said he relies more on instinct than numbers.“I don’t believe in data, honestly. I’ve never seen the data. I don’t even know what data is all about. I absolutely do not believe in it, because I feel it’s more about instinct,” Gambhir said, despite the team working closely with data analyst Hari Prasad.“T20 cricket is about instinct and backing your instinct as well. Whatever knowledge I have about the game and T20 format, I try and probably give it to the captain, try and help him out as much as I can.Looking ahead to the semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Gambhir described the opposition as strong and the venue as challenging.“They (England) are a world-class team, they’re a quality team, they’ve got a lot of quality players as well and we all know that Wankhede is a tough venue.“Hopefully, we can turn up and see that we have another opportunity to do something special for the team, for the country and hopefully we play a best game as well. That is going to be very important,” Gambhir said.

Image credit: Jonny Bairstow’s Instagram page.

NEW DELHI: England wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow has voiced serious concerns about his family’s safety after being stranded in Dubai amid rising military tensions in the Middle East. Commercial departures from the United Arab Emirates have been halted following missile and drone strikes launched by Iran, leaving thousands unable to travel. The attacks are reportedly in response to joint Israeli and US operations in Tehran that led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday.Bairstow, 36, had travelled to Dubai for a family holiday and took to social media to clarify that he is not with the England Lions, contrary to speculation. The wicketkeeper-batter described the distress of trying to ensure his family’s safety while seeking a route back to the UK.

“For those writing that I’m with the England Lions team…I am not. I am with my young family in Dubai…sure the England Lions security staff will be doing all they can to get them out of Abu Dhabi, but I am trying to keep my family safe and get us out of here!!” he wrote on X on Monday.A day earlier, Bairstow had appealed publicly to Emirates airline after his flight was cancelled. “We haven’t had any communication post-flight, getting cancelled. Tried the lines of communication, but nothing. Could someone please be in contact?” he posted.He also responded directly to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the government’s statement on the crisis, writing, “Can you get us home???”On Saturday, Britain’s Foreign Office updated its travel advisory for the UAE as the security situation deteriorated. The guidance now reads: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow instructions from the local authorities.”The instability has also disrupted England’s cricketing schedule. The England Lions called off their 50-over fixture against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. England women’s cricket team postponed their departure for a training camp in the Emirates, while the England cricket team are closely monitoring developments before travelling home from the T20 World Cup in India, a journey that was due to route through Dubai.In a statement issued on Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said, “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.“Tomorrow’s second 50-over game between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week.”

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma run between the wickets during an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Zimbabwe, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. (PTI Photo)

Sanju Samson dropped to his knees and looked up at the sky in gratitude and relief, perhaps thanking the cricketing gods at the ‘Garden of Eden’ in Kolkata, after steering India to the T20 World Cup semifinals with a five-wicket win over West Indies in what was a virtual quarter-final for both teams.India captain Suryakumar Yadav doffed his cap in honour of Sanju, after the right-handed batter played a career-defining unbeaten 97 off 50 balls on Sunday.While Sanju’s 97 in Kolkata will be remembered, his short-lived but significant innings against Zimbabwe three days prior had brought momentum to India’s T20 World Cup campaign.In the five matches before Sanju returned to the playing XI against Zimbabwe, India won four but there were clear concerns in the batting, and everyone could see it.

Trouble in top-order

India played without Samson in four out of those five matches, and their highest opening partnership in those games was 8 runs. In the only match that Sanju played, against Namibia (when Abhishek was out due to illness), Samson and Ishan Kishan had an opening stand of 25 runs in 12 balls.Apart from Ishan’s knocks against Pakistan (77 off 40) and Namibia (61 off 24), India’s top four, including Surya and Tilak Varma, were also facing a strike-rate problem in those matches, as the table below shows.

Indian top-order batters’ strike-rate in the first 5 matches of T20 World Cup

Openers not providing a good start, and the middle order struggling to score runs quickly, was a double trouble for defending champions India. This was largely due to India’s batters struggling against off-spin in the tournament.With six left-handers in the top eight, India essentially invited themself to be attacked by off-spinners. And oppositions’ Erasmus, Aghas, Ayubs, and Dutts obliged.During the group stage, India faced more off-spin than any other team — 102 deliveries. Among the 13 teams that faced at least six overs of off-spin, only Nepal (5.25) and Oman (5.42) scored at a slower rate than India’s 6.23 runs per over.India’s trouble against off-spin bowling was first exposed by Gerhard Erasmus, when the Namibian skipper took four wickets, three of them left-handers, in the group-stage match. Pakistan took the cue, and their captain, Salman Ali Agha, a part-time off-spinner, took the new ball and dismissed India’s opener Abhishek Sharma caught on duck at mid-on. The trend continued in India’s last group-stage match against the Netherlands as off-spinner Aryan Dutt came to bowl the first over. He first bowled Abhishek Sharma for another duck, his third in as many matches in the tournament by then, and then sent his partner Ishan Kishan back to the dugout in the fifth over.

It is worth noting that Abhishek had not previously shown vulnerability against off-spin; in fact, he has a career strike rate of 171.1 against off-spinners in powerplay in T20Is. However, given the slow nature of the pitches in the tournament, as compared to the IPL and T20 bilaterals India played at home in the last two years, he seemed to be out of his comfort zone against them and fell to off-spin twice in the three group-stage matches.Meanwhile, Abhishek’s opening partner Ishan Kishan, does face trouble against the off-spinners. In all T20Is, Kishan has scored against off-spinners at a mere 76.9 strike rate in the first six overs. That hasn’t changed in the T20 World Cup, despite him being in the form of his life; the southpaw has scored at just 115.8 strike rate against off-spin in the powerplay, his lowest against all kinds of bowling.In comparison, Sanju Samson has a strike-rate of 188.2 against off-spinners in the powerplay in T20Is.

‘Matlab Abhishek ki jagah khilau?’

By the end of the group stage, it was clear that India’s two left-handed openers had a difficult match-up against off-spin.It was evident that South Africa will use their off-spin options if Ishan and Abhishek open the innings for India in their first Super 8 clash. India captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked in the pre-match press conference whether India would look to bring back right-handed Sanju Samson vs South Africa in the top order to counter the off-spin threat? To which he replied, “Matlab Abhishek ki jagah khilau? (Should I play him instead of Abhishek?)”, “matlab Tilak ki jagah khilau? (You mean in place of Tilak?).“Suryakumar Yadav was seen smiling sarcastically while replying to the journalist as if the suggestion was out of context.But the story repeated, as predicted, and South Africa captain Aiden Markram himself came to bowl with the new ball and dismissed opener Ishan Kishan for a duck. India lost the match by 76 runs, which left them in a do-or-die situation.

How fortunes changed for India?

India’s next Super 8 match was against Zimbabwe in Chennai, and in came Sanju Samson back in the playing XI. He opened the innings with Abhishek and provided India a brisk opening stand of 48 runs. More importantly, with Sanju as an opener, India succeeded in keeping the off-spinner away from the new ball. By the time Sanju was dismissed in the fourth over, India were 48, and Abhishek Sharma was set at the crease. Sanju scored 24 off 15 balls and fulfilled the task brilliantly that he was entrusted with, and was lauded by head coach Gautam Gambhir and support staff after his dismissal. Sanju’s presence did wonders for India in the match. Opener Abhishek Sharma, who had scored just 15 runs before that in the tournament, including three ducks, came back to form and scored a half-century. India scored 256 in the first innings and crushed Zimbabwe by 72 runs. India finally had a convincing win in the tournament, and a campaign that once seemed on the verge of derailment found its momentum. Sanju Samson had turned it around through his 15-ball 24-run knock.Against West Indies on Sunday, India chased down their highest-ever target (196) in Men’s T20 World Cup history, bettering their previous record of 173 against South Africa in 2014.Sanju Samson’s 97 in the chase was the second-highest score for India at the men’s T20 World Cup, behind only Suresh Raina’s 101 against South Africa in 2010. It was the highest for India in a chase at the T20 World Cup, bettering Virat Kohli’s 82 not out against Australia in 2016 and Pakistan in 2022.India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who just a few days ago questioned “kiski jagah khilau?”, bowed down to Samson in appreciation.The 97 in Kolkata will be remembered. It secured the semifinal spot and will sit high among India’s best T20 World Cup knocks. But it was Samson’s 15-ball 24 against Zimbabwe in Chennai that brought India’s T20 World Cup campaign to life, and they are now looking like the formidable side that they are, going into the semi-final.

PV Sindhu pulled out of the All England Championships on Monday, as the shuttler and her Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama are stuck in Dubai due to the situation in West Asia.Confirming the development, Badminton Association of India (BAI) secretary Sanjay Mishra told TOI that Sindhu will compete in next week’s Swiss Open Super-300 tournament. “Sindhu is not playing All England due to the situation in Dubai. She will compete in Swiss Open next week,” Mishra told TOI.

As of Monday afternoon, a limited number of flights resumed operations from Abu Dhabi, but the Dubai airport is still shut.The rest of the Indian squad is in Birmingham for the Super-1000 tournament beginning Tuesday.Meanwhile, Indian shuttlers will attempt to break the 25-year-old jinx at this prestigious championship. Prakash Padukone (1980) and Pullela Gopichand (2001) were the only Indians to win the All England Championships.Saina Nehwal (2015), Lakshya Sen (2022) reached the finals, while the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand reached the last four stage in 2022 and 2023.Lakshya may find it difficult this year as he has drawn top seed Shi Yuqi of China in the first round. Fast-rising men’s singles shuttler Ayush Shetty will begin against Alwi Farhan of Indonesia and may face Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei next.The top Indian doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty face the Malaysian duo of Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Kang Xing in the first round. A victory here may pitch them against Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi of China in the second round.Treesa and Gayatri have done well in this tournament, but they have a tough first round against Sayaka Hirota and Ayako Sakuramoto. If they beat the Japanese, they may be up against seventh-seeded Chinese duo of Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min.

Daniil Medvedev (Image credit: AFP)

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has indicated that he is among what the ATP Tour described as “a small number of players and team members” it is helping to leave Dubai, as the war in the Middle East has triggered widespread travel disruptions.Medvedev’s Instagram account reposted a report on Monday from Russian-language tennis outlet Bolshe, which stated that he was safe and staying at a friend’s apartment in Dubai. The update came amid flight cancellations following his victory at the ATP event there last week.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 event,” the ATP Tour said in a statement on Monday.“They and their teams are being accommodated in the tournament’s official hotels, where their immediate needs are being fully supported.”Medvedev and several others are scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where main-draw matches begin on Wednesday.“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organizers and security advisors,” the ATP said. “At this stage, travel assessments remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can depart safely when conditions allow.”The travel disruption has also affected other sports. Cricketers from England and Pakistan’s men’s developmental teams were in the United Arab Emirates over the weekend ahead of a match that was cancelled on Sunday.Youth basketball players likewise encountered difficulties after a EuroLeague tournament in the region was called off.Several sporting events across the region have been suspended, including Asian Champions League football matches and fixtures in the Qatari league. Formula 1’s governing body said on Monday it would focus on “safety and wellbeing” while reviewing upcoming races in the region.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s early exit from the Super Eights at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reignited debate over the team’s leadership, with former captain Shahid Afridi offering a sharp assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan amid speculation about a potential change at the top.Having failed to reach the semifinals of an ICC event for the fourth consecutive time, uncertainty now surrounds current T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha. Media reports have named Shadab and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as possible successors if the board decides to overhaul the leadership group.

Afridi, though, made it clear he does not view Shadab as the answer. “Looking at his performance, I wouldn’t even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy,” the former Pakistan captain said in an interview with Samaa TV.Shadab’s returns in the tournament — 118 runs and five wickets in seven matches — have drawn criticism, with Afridi questioning the backing the all-rounder continues to receive.“If Mike Hesson stays on as the coach, he was also there at Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Mike Hesson became Pakistan’s coach after his stint in the PSL. From there, his association with Shadab started,” Afridi said. “The head coach is giving Shadab chance after chance. That’s why I said Shadab can become the next Pakistan captain. But looking at his recent performance, he doesn’t even deserve a place in the playing XI.”Pakistan’s campaign ended despite a late surge in their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. After posting 221 for 8, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 148 or fewer to remain in contention. Sri Lanka closed on 207 for 6, sealing a narrow five-run defeat and confirming Pakistan’s exit.Instability in leadership has further compounded the team’s struggles. When Agha was appointed captain last year, he became Pakistan’s fourth T20I skipper in 12 months. In his first World Cup as captain, he scored just 60 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.00.Afridi feels a more aggressive approach is required going forward and has backed opener Fakhar Zaman for the role. “Looking at the current situation, I would go with Fakhar Zaman. I want an aggressive captain. Right now, only one player fits the bill, and that is Fakhar,” he said.With another global tournament ending in disappointment, Pakistan now face crucial decisions over leadership and team composition.

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Rohit Sharma looked back at some of the defining moments that have shaped the storied India–Pakistan rivalry in T20 World Cups, naming the 2007 final as his most cherished encounter against the Asian neighbours.Until the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixtures, Rohit — the ambassador for this edition — had featured in every India–Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup. From making his debut as a youngster in 2007 to leading India to memorable wins over Pakistan in 2022 and 2024, his journey in this high-voltage rivalry has been significant.

“My favourite T20 World Cup match against Pakistan was definitely the final we played, nothing can beat that. We went on to win the World Cup.” Rohit was quoted as saying by the ICC.India and Pakistan faced off twice in the inaugural 2007 edition. Before the summit clash, a group-stage match ended in a tie and was decided by the tournament’s first-ever bowl-out.“In that same year (2007), we also played a league game against Pakistan, which was the only match in the tournament decided by a bowl-out, and we came out on top there as well. So in 2007, both World Cup games were special,” Rohit recalled.Another unforgettable chapter unfolded at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup. After being dismissed early, Rohit watched from the sidelines as India scripted a dramatic comeback victory.“Yeah, I was in the dressing room. Then I came out, but I got nervous and went back inside. When games are this tight, especially when you’re off the field and know you can’t do anything, it just takes that sense of control away from you, and I felt helpless. You actually do feel helpless watching the game unfold when you can’t do anything about it,” said Rohit.Chasing 160, India found themselves in deep trouble at 31/4 before an extraordinary innings from Virat Kohli turned the contest on its head.“Kohli played a blinder there. That was again very, very special to watch because we were in no position to win that game, especially after how we started.“But the way we finished was magnificent. It has to be one of the greatest cricket games we’ve ever played — because of the occasion. It was a World Cup game, an important one for us to win, and to come back from that situation made it even more special,” the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning skipper said.Rohit, who retired from T20 Internationals after playing 160 matches, admitted that nerves never left him throughout his career — and that the feeling kept him motivated.“I’ve played 160 T20 Internationals for India. I don’t remember a single game where I wasn’t nervous. I was nervous for each and every game. That feeling gives me nervousness, and I don’t think that as long as I’m holding this bat, going out there and taking the field, that feeling will ever go away. It stays with me. And that feeling means you still want to go out there, play the game, and give your best,” Rohit concluded.

Sanju Samson (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Perpetually under scrutiny, Sanju Samson rose above the noise with a match-winning 97 not out as India defeated West Indies by five wickets in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash to storm into the semifinals on Sunday.But beyond the runs and the result, it was a captain’s bow that defined the night at Eden Gardens.

India will now face England in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.As the winning boundary was struck and the noise reached fever pitch, Samson began his walk back to the pavilion. That’s when India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did something few captains do.Surya walked down from his position, removed his cap and bowed to Sanju in the middle of the ground before embracing him tightly. It was spontaneous, heartfelt and symbolic — a public acknowledgement of belief repaid.The packed Eden Gardens, with over 65,000 spectators, erupted. Teammates applauded. Fans roared. It was more than celebration; it was respect.Asked to bat first, West Indies followed a clear attacking blueprint. Roston Chase laid the foundation before Rovman Powell (34* off 19 balls) and Jason Holder (37* off 22 balls) launched a late assault to power them to 195/4.Chasing 196 in a virtual knockout, India needed composure. Instead, they lost early momentum as in-form batters faltered under pressure.That’s when Sanju stood tall.Playing only his third match of the tournament, the wicketkeeper-batter produced an innings of poise and authority — 97* off 50 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes. He batted deep, absorbed the pressure and ensured India reached 199/5 in 19.2 overs, sealing victory with four balls to spare.In the 19th over, with tension peaking, Sanju brought the scores level by heaving Romario Shepherd’s attempted yorker high over square leg for a towering six — a statement blow under pressure.Moments later, he carved the winning boundary over a leaping mid-on to book India’s semifinal berth and end West Indies’ campaign at the very venue where they had lifted their second and last T20 World Cup title in 2016.As “Maa Tujhe Salaam” echoed through Eden Gardens, Sanju dropped to his knees, removed his helmet and offered a quiet prayer — a moment of relief, gratitude and redemption. The BCCI top brass stood up in applause.And just behind that image stood Surya’s bow — a captain recognising a warrior who had delivered when it mattered most.On a night of pressure and expectation, it wasn’t just about a 97*. It was about faith, redemption and a skipper who wasn’t afraid to bow down to brilliance.