Sanju Samson‘s dream run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to grab headlines, not just for his explosive batting but also for his refreshing honesty off the field. After delivering two sensational knocks that powered India into the final, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a humorous yet thoughtful response during the post-match press conference when a reporter asked him about narrowly missing out on two centuries in the tournament.
Sanju Samson’s dazzling knock in the Super 8 clash against West Indies
Samson first lit up the tournament during India’s high-pressure Super 8 encounter against West Indies on March 1 at Eden Gardens. The match was virtually a knockout fixture for both sides, with India chasing a daunting target of 196.
In what many fans have already called one of the finest innings of his career, Samson remained unbeaten on 97 off just 50 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and control, featuring 12 boundaries and four towering sixes.
The knock not only guided India to a memorable victory but also etched Samson’s name into the record books. His 97 became the highest individual score by an Indian batter in a successful T20 World Cup run chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous record.
While the century remained elusive, the impact of the innings was undeniable as Samson carried India home with calm authority under pressure.
Samson’s match-winning fireworks in the semi-final against England
Just four days later, Samson once again proved why he is enjoying the form of his life. In the semi-final against England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium, the right-hander delivered another blistering performance.
Samson smashed 89 off only 42 deliveries, maintaining a staggering strike rate of 211.90. His innings included eight fours and seven sixes as he dominated England’s bowling attack from the outset.
The knock helped India post a massive total of 253/7, the highest score in a T20 World Cup knockout match. England fought valiantly in the chase but eventually fell short as India secured a thrilling seven-run victory to book their place in the final.
Samson’s 89 also equalled Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match, previously set against West Indies in the 2016 semi-final. During the innings, Samson also broke Rohit Sharma’s record for the most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition. With 16 sixes in just four innings, he has been one of the most destructive batters of the tournament. For his stunning performance, Samson received his second consecutive Player of the Match award.
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Samson’s humorous take on the ‘missed centuries’ debate
Despite his heroic performances, fans and analysts pointed out that Samson had narrowly missed two centuries in the tournament. A reporter echoed the same sentiment during the post-match press conference following the win over England. Samson, however, handled the question with a mix of humour and perspective.
“Bhai, I did not miss two centuries. I have made 97 and 89 – it is a very big thing,” Samson said with a smile.
Reflecting on his journey, he also acknowledged how fortune sometimes plays a role in a cricketer’s career.
“I have been unlucky in the past at times, but sometimes luck also works in your favour once in a while. I was very fortunate that I got this opportunity, so let me grasp it now,” he added.
With India now just one step away from the title, Samson’s fearless batting and grounded mindset have made him one of the biggest stories of the T20 World Cup 2026.
