Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s cricket coach Gautam Gambhir has pinpointed a key moment that flipped the script for his team’s victorious run at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson’s explosive 97 against West Indies stood out as the real shift, boosting confidence across the squad.
In a high-stakes Super 8 clash, dubbed a virtual quarter-final, India chased 195 on a tricky pitch. Samson batted with ice-cool focus, partnering well with Ishan Kishan at number three. This display silenced doubts about India’s big-match temperament after earlier whispers of cautious play in ICC events.
Gambhir praised Samson’s poise during a post-tournament chat on JioStar. “Chasing that total in a World Cup is tough, no matter the ground,” he said. The knock sparked belief that the campaign was on track, paving the way for clutch half-centuries from Samson right up to the final.
India clinched their third T20 title and first as hosts, by thrashing New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad’s final. It marked back-to-back triumphs after the 2024 win and Champions Trophy last year. Gambhir called it an emotional peak, never dreaming he’d coach the nation to such heights.
Gambhir’s blueprint? High-risk cricket for big rewards. “Impact over milestones,” he stressed, no chasing personal stats, just team wins.
