![Sanju Samson channels inner MS Dhoni [Source: @shaktimaan_11/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773052489909_SanjuSamsonchannelsinnerMSDhoni.jpg?type=hq)
Sanju Samson channels inner MS Dhoni [Source: @shaktimaan_11/x]
Team India secured a comprehensive 96-run win over New Zealand in the final to lift the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Defending 256 in Ahmedabad, Jasprit Bumrah and other Indian bowlers enveloped the ‘Black Caps’ for just 159 in 19 overs.
Sanju Samson led India’s early onslaught with the bat alongside opening partner Abhishek Sharma, as the blistering right-hander clattered 89 runs off just 46 balls with five fours and eight huge sixes.
The cricketer also seemingly assisted Axar Patel in getting the crucial wicket of in-form Finn Allen, thus sparking a moment that pretty much initiated India’s complete dominance in the run chase.
Samson’s assistance for Axar also mirrored MS Dhoni, who was well known for offering timely advice from behind the stumps that often resulted in crucial breakthroughs for the ‘Men in Blue’.
Sanju Samson mirrors MS Dhoni in front of CSK teammate
New Zealand in-form opener Finn Allen raced to a 31-run partnership with partner Tim Seifert during his team’s 256-run pursuit in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. Fresh from his 33-ball ton against South Africa in the semifinal last week, Allen got his innings cut short by Axar Patel on the big day for just nine off seven balls.
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Notably, it was India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson who seemingly assisted Axar with the wicket. Mere moments prior to delivering the ball, Samson directed the spinner to cramp the New Zealand opener for room. In turn, Patel dug the ball into the pitch outside off stump, and an attempted pull shot from Finn Allen was caught in the deep by Tilak Varma.
Watch the video below:
It is worth noting that Sanju Samson demonstrated his wicketkeeping wares in front of former India captain and legendary stumper MS Dhoni, who attended Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium for the final as per ICC’s invitation.
Dhoni himself used to pull such unique dismissals for Team India by assisting his bowlers, especially spinners.
Sanju Samson clinches ‘Player of the Tournament’
Team India pulverized New Zealand by 96 runs to lift the 2026 T20 World Cup. In doing so, the ‘Men in Blue’ became the first side in history to win three T20 World Cups, and two in succession.
Sanju Samson, who spent his time on the sidelines for a major part of India’s first half of the competition, delivered three successive match-winning knocks towards the business end of the tournament.
Samson’s 89-run knock in the final extended his T20 World Cup 2026 tally to 321 runs from just five innings at a prolific average of 80.25, thus bagging the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
Samson to join MS Dhoni in IPL 2026
Incidentally, Sanju Samson will now join MS Dhoni in the CSK franchise for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The blistering wicketkeeper-batter was traded in by CSK late last year prior to the IPL 2026 auction.
Prior to joining the five-time winners, Samson spent a major part of his IPL career with the Rajasthan Royals, and also briefly played for the Delhi Capitals.
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