Sanju Samson and Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni (Source:X)
India's star player Sanju Samson has scripted one of the most emotional comeback stories of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In a must-win Super 8 clash against the West Indies in Kolkata, Sanju Samson played stunning knock that not only sealed India's place in the semi-finals but also reignited his own career.
Chasing a challenging target of 196 at Eden Gardens, India were under serious pressure. The top order had failed to fire consistently in previous matches, and the team’s heavy left-handed combination was struggling against spin.
Sanju Samson's match-winning knock at Eden Gardens
Sanju Samson, who had recently lost his place as opener due to poor form, was brought back into the top order.
The Kerala batter produced a calm and powerful innings, smashing 12 fours and four sixes in his 97 off 50 balls. Sanju Samson did not rush, even when wickets fell at the other end. Instead, he paced the chase beautifully and guided India home without panic.
Dinesh Karthik compares Sanju Samson's fan craze to Indian legends
Dinesh Karthik has now placed Sanju Samson in elite company. Speaking to Sky Sports, Karthik said Samson’s fan following rivals that of some of India’s biggest cricket icons, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Karthik described Samson as ‘the most loved cricketer’ in the country at the moment. According to him, there is something special about the way Samson carries himself that connects instantly with fans.
Read More: Sanju Samson Finally Breaks Silence After T20 World Cup Heroics Dazzle India
“Sanju Samson is a fantastic story, I feel. Yes, he played that wonderful innings. He is someone who has always been an enigma. People have loved him. He is, for me, the most loved cricketer.
"Virat [Kohli], Rohit [Sharma], [MS] Dhoni, he seems to have that kind of fan following. There is something about how he carries himself. What I’ve liked in that story is that he has seen plenty of ups and downs. The weight and burden of expectations has not been easy on him, even though he is so talented. That day, that ground, after the three months he had, they almost had to thrust him in, and he did what he did in Calcutta,” Karthik said on Sky Sports Cricket.
Match-ups justified Sanju Samson's selection, Says Dinesh Karthik
Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the India's playing XI came after Abhishek Sharma struggled with form. India’s left-handed batters were having difficulty against off-spinners, especially in the early overs.
Dinesh Karthik believes Samson should have been backed from the very start of the tournament.
“I would have gone for him purely for match-ups,” Karthik said. He explained that off-spinners were troubling India consistently, and Sanju Samson’s right-handed presence at the top helped balance the line-up.
Now, as India prepare to face England in the semi-final in Mumbai, Sanju Samson’s return to form could not have come at a better time for Suryakumar Yadav and 'Men in Blue'.
The fact cannot be denied that for years, Samson has been seen as a gifted cricketer who could not fully deliver at the international level.
Injuries, inconsistency and selection changes kept disrupting his rhythm. Yet, his natural flair and elegant stroke play ensured that fans never stopped believing in him.
Read More: India's 'Unbeatable' Tag Removed; England Great Makes Big Claim Before Semifinal
