Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh hailed Team India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson for taking the responsibility of the run chase on his shoulders during the crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against the West Indies. The star opener scored an unbeaten 97 to guide India to a five-wicket win with four balls to spare at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Sunday, March 1.

Team India had the task of chasing down a mammoth 196-run target to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition. The hosts faced a wobbly start as both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the score at 41-2 in the fifth over.

However, Sanju Samson took the initiative and kept the scoreboard ticking, and putting on vital partnerships with the middle-order batters to take India close to the target. He eventually closed out the run chase with a flurry of boundaries and took India over the line.

Harbhajan Singh reminded one and all how Samson almost single-handedly carried the run chase since the second-highest score was Tilak Varma’s 27.

“The second-highest score was 27, so look at the difference. That shows how well he batted, and his mindset was also good. He also did not play any funky shot, like a lap shot or something. He played the ball according to its merit. He cut the balls which were meant to be cut, and swept the balls which were meant for sweeping,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

This was Sanju Samson’s first T20I fifty since the 2025 Asia Cup clash against Oman in September 2025. He was dropped from the side after a disastrous home T20I series against New Zealand to kick-start 2026, but found his way back after a batting order revamp midway through the World Cup campaign.

“He never looked like he was in a rush” – Harbhajan Singh lauds Sanju Samson’s approach during run chase in IND vs WI T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match

The legendary spinner remarked that Sanju Samson chose the perfect time to showcase his best, and noted his calculated approach during the run chase, which involved minimal risk.

“What a day Samson chose to show his form. Sanju has gone through a lot, he got back in the side, then he got chances, but then it was decided that Abhishek and Ishan will open. He didn’t look to hit every ball. He looked for a boundary and then looking for singles and doubles. He never looked like he was in a rush,” Harbhajan Singh said.

Team India finished second in their Super 8 group behind South Africa, and will now face the Harry Brook-led England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026. The massive clash is scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 5, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.