Virat Kohli showered praise on Sanju Samson after the Indian wicketkeeper-batter was named Player of the Tournament in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Samson played a pivotal role in India’s triumphant campaign, delivering a series of match-winning performances that helped the team secure their third T20 World Cup title.
India’s victory also created history, as they became the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup trophy and the first host nation to lift the title on home soil.
Samson, who entered the playing XI as a replacement during the tournament, made an immediate impact. The Kerala-born batter produced three consecutive half-centuries and consistently delivered under pressure in key matches.
After India’s victory, Kohli congratulated Samson through a heartfelt message on social media. Sharing an Instagram story, Kohli praised the batter for rising to the occasion in the most crucial moments of the tournament.
“What a remarkable tournament from the most well-deserved Man of the Tournament @imsanjusamson. You performed when it mattered the most. Really happy for you, Chetta,” Kohli wrote.
Samson’s contributions were vital throughout the competition. He first grabbed headlines with an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win Super Eight clash, guiding India to a crucial victory.
The right-hander followed it up with another remarkable knock in the semi-final against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. His 89-run innings powered India to a massive total of 253/7, eventually leading to a narrow seven-run win and securing a place in the final.
Samson continued his exceptional form in the title clash, scoring another impressive 89 runs to help India post a commanding total against New Zealand. India went on to dominate the match and seal a convincing 96-run victory to claim the championship.
With his performances in the knockout stages, Samson also etched his name in the record books. He became only the third player in T20 World Cup history to score half-centuries in both the semi-final and the final.
Before Samson, the feat had been achieved only by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi in 2009 and Virat Kohli himself during the 2014 tournament.
Samson’s memorable campaign not only strengthened India’s title run but also cemented his place among the standout performers in T20 World Cup history.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
