Gautam Gambhir Hails Sanju Samson’s Match-Winning Performance Against West Indies

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Sanju Samson for playing a match-winning knock against West Indies. He said the team always backed Sanju in tough times, as they knew how special he would be in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

"He's a world class player, we all know how good a player Sanju is. It was all about backing him. When the team needed him the most, obviously today was the day, he showed his full potential." said Gautam Gambhir while talking to the reporters.

Gambhir then applauded the batting prowess of the Indian opener, saying he played simple cricketing shots without taking any pressure or trying to muscle the ball uselessly.

"I actually felt that he never accelerated the innings. It was just very normal cricketing shots and I never saw him muscling the ball as well. That is the kind of talent he has.” said Gautam Gambhir.

"Obviously he had a tough series against New Zealand, so sometimes it's important to give him a break as well, because you want to get the guy off that pressure situation as well. And we always knew that whenever we needed him in the World Cup game, he'll come and deliver it for us." added Gautam Gambhir.

The Indian head coach then shed some light on the bowling performance, saying the team started off well and did a great job towards the end as well.

"I thought we started off really well, especially when you play this kind of a game of this magnitude. You've got to start off really well with the new ball, which Arshdeep and Hardik did.” said Gautam Gambhir.

"I think the way they started off in the first three overs was really good and then Axar bowled two overs in the powerplay, which was again a great job done by him. It's never easy on this wicket on their ground to bowl two overs in a powerplay, but Axar did that really well.” added Gautam Gambhir.