Sanju Samson reflects on dream knock in Kolkata after guiding India into semis: 'This is the knock I was waiting for'

After failing to convert promising starts earlier in the tournament, Sanju Samson finally delivered a match-winning knock befitting his talent. And it wasn’t just in any ordinary match but in a virtual T20 World Cup quarter-final against West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday, one that helped the Indian team pull off their highest successful chase at the T20 World Cup and join South Africa, England and New Zealand in the semi-finals.

As It Happened | India vs West Indies, T20 World Cup Super 8 match in Kolkata

Samson opens up on learning from Kohli, Rohit and Dhoni

Speaking to the broadcasters after his match-winning knock, which earned him the Player of the Match award, the Chennai Super Kings star described his unbeaten 97 as the kind of knock that he had dreamed of from the time he started playing cricket.

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“It means the whole world to me. Right from the day I started playing, started dreaming of playing for the country, this is the knock I was waiting for. Had a very special journey. Had a lot of ups and downs. kept doubting myself, thinking will I make it? But I am thankful to the almighty for blessing me today,” Samson said after steering the Men in Blue to a five-wicket victory with four balls to spare.

“I’ve been playing this format for many years. Learned from a lot of greats like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni. That helped with my experience. I’ve noticed how the greats play, and seeing how they change their game according to situations. Last game we were batting first so i was going from ball one, but this game it was different.

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“Every time I tried to go too high we were losing wickets. Didn’t think I would play this special knock, but yeah this is one of the greatest days of my life. Just stayed in the present, played the ball on the merit,” he added.

India now face England in the second semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday after finishing second in Group 1 of the Super 8s. South Africa face New Zealand in the other semi-final that takes place in Kolkata on Wednesday, with the Proteas having topped Group 1 with three wins in as many outings.