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Virat Kohli Hails Sanju Samson as T20 World Cup's Deserving Player of Tournament

Virat Kohli publicly praised Sanju Samson for his phenomenal performance as India clinched a historic third T20 World Cup title. Samson, who came into the team as a replacement, scored crucial half-centuries in three successive matches during the knockout stages. His innings of 97*, 89, and 89 were pivotal in rescuing India and setting up massive totals. India's victory marked the first back-to-back T20 World Cup titles and a first triumph on home soil.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Praises Sanju Samson's T20 World Cup Heroics

  • Samson replaced Abhishek Sharma
  • Scored 3 successive half-centuries
  • Key in India's historic third title
  • First back-to-back T20 WC win
  • Top-scored in final with 89
2 min read

T20 WC: You performed when it mattered the most - Virat Kohli hails Sanju Samson

Virat Kohli applauds Sanju Samson's match-winning performances after India's historic T20 World Cup triumph. Read about Samson's key role.

"What a remarkable tournament from the most well-deserved Man of the Tournament... You performed when it mattered the most. - Virat Kohli"

Mumbai, March 9

Legendary cricketer Virat Kohli on Sunday heaped praises on India's wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his phenomenal performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup triumph, for which he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.

Samson, who came into the playing XI as a replacement player as the top-order was not producing the desired runs because of Abhishek Sharma's poor run of scores, struck half-centuries in three successive matches as India fought back from the brink of elimination to clinch a historic third title in the T20 World Cup. India also became the first nation to win back-to-back titles and to triumph on home soil.

And Samson played a key role in the historic triumph, and Virat Kohli highlighted his contribution in a social media post on Sunday night.

"What a remarkable tournament from the most well-deserved Man of the Tournament @imsanjusamson. You performed when it mattered the most. Really happy for you, Chetta," wrote Kohli in his Instagram story that was accompanied by a poster by ICC declaring Samson as the Player of the Tournament.

Samson really turned out to be the star of the campaign for India. He first rescued the team with a masterful unbeaten 97 against the West Indies that helped India emerge victorious in the do-or-die Super 8 stage match.

He then scored 89 in the semifinal against England, which laid the foundation of India's massive score of 253/7 against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, as India won by seven runs.

The 35-year-old from Kerala did it again in the final, top-scoring with 89 to help India post another massive total as they defeated New Zealand by 96 runs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Virat calling him "Chetta" (elder brother in Malayalam) is so heartwarming! Shows the respect and bond in the team. Samson was absolutely clinical under pressure. That innings against WI saved our campaign.
R
Rohit P
While I'm thrilled we won, let's be honest, the selection was a bit lucky. He was a replacement. What does this say about our initial planning? We need a more stable middle order strategy moving forward.
S
Sarah B
Back-to-back titles and winning at home! The atmosphere must have been electric. Samson's consistency in the knockouts was unbelievable. 89 in both the semi and the final? That's champion mentality.
K
Karthik V
From Kerala with pride! 🎉 He's been a star for Rajasthan Royals for years. Finally, the whole country gets to see his talent on the biggest stage. Well deserved, Sanju!
M
Michael C
Incredible composure. To come in as a replacement and perform like that under the weight of expectation is remarkable. Kohli's praise means a lot coming from him. Great team spirit on display.

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