Our Bureau
Mumbai
This comes after his match-winning heroics in the T20 World Cup 2026, where India lifted the trophy.
Samson was not a regular starter at the tournament’s start. He earned his spot in the Super 8 matches and grabbed it with both hands. In three key T20 matches that month, he smashed 275 runs at an average of 137.50 and a strike rate of 199.27. This earned him back-to-back Player of the Match awards.
His knockout stage stats stand out even more. Samson piled up 275 runs at a strike rate of 199. In just five innings, mostly Super Eights, he hit 321 runs to rank third overall in the tournament. No other top player did this in so few games.
In semis and final, his 178 runs beat Virat Kohli’s 2014 World Cup record by 23%. Samson called it a dream come true, especially his unbeaten 97 that chased 196 against West Indies at Eden Gardens, the highest T20 World Cup chase ever.
The ICC praised Samson as the “iconic performer” from India’s winning campaign for March. He beat teammate Jasprit Bumrah for the award. Fans now see him in the top 20 of ICC T20 batting rankings.
From benchwarmer to Player of the Tournament, Samson’s redemption arc inspires. “One of the greatest days of my life,” he said after the West Indies win. India awaits his next big knock.
