Kolkata witnessed something special. It was not just another run chase. It was the night Sanju Samson finally felt the weight lift off his shoulders. For months, even when he was not in the playing XI, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak made sure Samson batted first in the nets. The wicketkeeper often smiled and questioned the need. He wasn’t playing. But the message from the team management was clear: stay ready. Kotak kept reminding him of his quality. The preparation never dipped. The intent never faded.
Samson’s journey has rarely been smooth. From being India’s preferred opener to losing his spot to Shubman Gill in the Asia Cup, then reclaiming it briefly, only to see Ishan Kishan move ahead in the World Cup plans, the uncertainty could have broken many players. For the 31-year-old, it only deepened the hunger.
And then came Eden Gardens.
When Samson finished the chase with an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls, he didn’t roar. He sank to his knees. Arms stretched wide, eyes moist, he looked skyward and tapped his chest. It felt less like celebration and more like gratitude. Relief poured out in silence. Captain Suryakumar Yadav removed his cap and bowed playfully toward him. Teammates embraced him warmly. In that moment, words were unnecessary.
Learning From the Greats
Samson later reflected on his journey with honesty. He admitted that while he hasn’t played consistently over the past decade, he has observed closely from the dugout. Watching senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma finish games taught him how to adapt to match situations. He learned how great players pace a chase and control pressure. Those lessons showed in Kolkata. India were chasing under pressure in a virtual knockout scenario. Samson played in what could only be described as a “zone” state. He held his shape, picked his moments, and trusted his rhythm. Every shot carried authority but never desperation.
The 97 not out was more than a personal milestone. It became India’s highest successful run chase in T20 World Cups, surpassing their previous best against South Africa in 2014. It also overtook Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 against Australia in 2016 as the biggest individual contribution in a T20 World Cup chase for India.
Interestingly, the number 97 has a special connection with Indian cricket history. In the 2011 World Cup final, Gautam Gambhir’s memorable 97 laid the foundation for glory. This time, Gambhir watched from the dugout as Samson produced his own unforgettable 97. The coach, who has consistently backed him, showed rare emotion when Samson raised his bat after reaching fifty.
Technical Tweaks, Mental Clarity
Behind the emotional story was quiet technical work. Kotak revealed that the coaching staff had been working on Samson’s initial movement and balance since the England series last year. There were concerns that he was getting into position too early and carrying uneven weight distribution, especially against short-pitched deliveries. The solution was simple in theory: create a stronger base. When a batter distributes weight evenly on both feet, power flows more naturally. Hands move quicker. Timing improves. That small adjustment made a big difference.
On this night, Samson’s stance looked stable. His head stayed still. Big shots came without forcing them. He wasn’t chasing the game. He was controlling it.
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A Long Wait for This Moment
Before this innings, Samson had never stayed till the end in a T20I or IPL chase. That statistic made this knock even more meaningful. It arrived when India needed it the most. After the match, Samson admitted it was one of the greatest days of his life. He spoke about doubting himself in difficult phases, wondering whether he would truly make it. But he also spoke about belief and gratitude. For Indian cricket, it was a reminder of patience paying off. For Samson, it was proof that talent, when combined with preparation and resilience, eventually finds its stage. This wasn’t just about 97 runs. It was about ten years of waiting, learning, doubting, and growing. At Eden Gardens, under the lights and in front of thousands, Sanju Samson didn’t just finish a chase. He finally unlocked himself.
