Samson’s quiet authority powers India into the last four

Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97, shaped by composure and clarity of method, carried India to a nervy victory over West Indies in a high-stakes World Cup contest at Eden Gardens here on Sunday.

At 104 for 3 after 12 overs, India had stalled following a brief lull, with the asking rate beginning to climb. Samson, however, appeared untroubled. He resisted the impulse to chase the equation, choosing instead to hold his shape, pick his moments and trust his range. A firm straight hit off Shamar Joseph broke the drift, and from there he paced the chase with assurance.

Twelve boundaries punctuated an innings built on placement and control. A late cut off Roston Chase at the start of the 14th over was emblematic of his approach, reducing pressure and shifting momentum. The target eased from 92 off 48 to 60 off 36, forcing West Indies to regroup at the break.

The knock assumed added significance in light of Samson’s recent journey. A difficult run of form through 2025 and the early part of this year had seen him lose his place, but he returned after India rebalanced its top order to counter off-spin. Work in the nets with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on his trigger movement and base was evident in his balance at the crease.

Wickets fell around him, including Tilak Varma’s dismissal soon after the drinks interval, briefly opening a window for West Indies. Samson, though, did not deviate. He rotated the strike, punished width and maintained a steady tempo as partners came and went.

With seven required in the final over, he settled the contest by flicking Romario Shepherd over square leg for six and following it with a boundary over mid-on. Only then did he allow emotion to surface, dropping to his knees in relief.

“It means the world to me,” Samson said later, describing it as one of the most significant days of his career. India’s progress owed much to his poise, discipline and quiet authority under pressure.