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Kapil Dev Praises Sanju Samson's Team-First Knock in T20 WC Win Over WI

Sanju Samson played a match-winning, unbeaten 97-run knock to guide India to a five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the T20 World Cup Super 8s. The win secured India's place in the semi-finals, where they will face England. Former captain Kapil Dev praised the innings but emphasized that the focus must remain on the team's collective success. The West Indies had posted 195/4, powered by contributions from multiple batters.

Key Points: Kapil Dev on Samson's Knock: "It's for the team" | T20 WC

  • Samson's 97* off 50 balls seals win
  • India qualifies for semi-finals
  • Kapil Dev emphasizes collective performance
  • Chase, Holder, Powell key for WI
  • Semi-final vs England set for March 5
2 min read

"It's for the team": Kapil Dev on Sanju Samson's match-winning knock vs West Indies in T20 WC

Kapil Dev highlights team success after Sanju Samson's 97* guides India to T20 World Cup semi-finals. India to face England next.

"It's for the team. Good luck to the team, not to one individual. - Kapil Dev"

By Utkarsh Rathour, Taoru, March 3

Former India cricketer and 1983 ODI World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev emphasised the importance of collective performance after Men in Blue opener Sanju Samson delivered a stunning unbeaten innings against the West Indies in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s fixture at Eden Gardens.

Samson's explosive 97-run knock off 50 balls, with the help of 12 fours and four sixes, guided the defending champion to a five-wicket win against the West Indies, which helped them to secure their place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

In the match, West Indies posted 195/4 after opting to bat, powered by contributions from Roston Chase (40), Hope (32), Shimron Hetmyer (27), and an unbeaten 76-run partnership between Jason Holder (37*) and Rovman Powell (34*). India's bowlers were led by Jasprit Bumrah, who returned figures of 2/36.

In reply, India overcame an early setback before a series of partnerships guided them home. Samson played a key role in the chase, stitching crucial stands with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, as India sealed a five-wicket victory to progress further in the tournament.

Speaking to ANI ahead of India's first professional Golf League, The League final, PGTI President Kapil Dev was asked about Sanju Samson's outstanding innings against the Men in Maroon.

In response, the legendary Indian cricketer hailed India's prospects and urged focus on the team's overall success rather than individual performances.

"It's for the team. Good luck to the team, not to one individual. And I want to wish the Indian team all the best. Now we are very close to the championship, and I want to wish them luck," the legendary Indian cricketer said.

Kapil's comments underline the collective efforts he expects from India's World Cup campaign.

India's win at Eden Gardens set up a high-stakes semi-final clash with England in Mumbai on March 5, keeping alive their hopes of back-to-back T20 World Cup titles.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love this perspective. We often get carried away with individual stars. Samson was fantastic, but the bowlers restricting WI to under 200 on that pitch was equally crucial. Well said, Kapil Paaji!
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Priya S
So happy for Sanju! He has waited for his chance and proved himself on the biggest stage. But yes, the team comes first. Now focus on beating England! 💪
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while the team spirit is important, I feel we should also celebrate individual brilliance more. A knock like that under pressure deserves its own spotlight. It inspires young players across the country.
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Vikram M
Classic Kapil Dev wisdom. No "I" in team. This is the mindset that won us the World Cup. The semi-final vs England will be a cracker! All the best, Men in Blue.
K
Karthik V
Eden Gardens was electric! Samson played a dream innings, but let's not forget Bumrah's two wickets in the death overs. Everyone played their part. On to Mumbai! 🏏

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