Overview:
Sanju Samson made his mark in the T20 World Cup with three game-changing innings.
Sunil Gavaskar compared Sanju Samson to the great Viv Richards and Mahela Jayawardene after the Kerala batter’s Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup 2026, saying his batting brought a rare purity to the shortest format of the game.
Writing in his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar noted that classical batting is seldom seen in T20 cricket.
“Classic batting technique is usually valued in Test cricket, sometimes in one-day matches, but it rarely holds much significance in the shortest format of the game,” he wrote.
“In all three of his fifty-plus innings, Samson showcased classical batting technique, combined with some of the most commanding pull and hook shots seen in recent memory.”
Gavaskar was especially impressed by Samson’s mastery over short-pitched deliveries. He highlighted that Samson’s pull shot on Jofra Archer’s pace bowling was “reminiscent of Viv Richards at his powerful best,” while the overall elegance and smoothness of his strokeplay reminded him of Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene.
Sanju Samson made his mark in the T20 World Cup with three game-changing innings. He remained unbeaten on 97 against the West Indies to keep India’s Super 8 hopes alive, followed by a fiery 89 in the semifinal versus England at Wankhede Stadium. In the final at Ahmedabad, he top-scored with 89 from 46 balls, helping India set a record total of 255, which New Zealand couldn’t chase.
Initially on the bench, Samson capitalized on opportunities after injuries and team reshuffles, emerging as the tournament’s most impactful batter.
Gavaskar concluded his column with a heartfelt note to the team. “Well done India. You didn’t just replicate history and overcome it, you also created new milestones that will be remembered and cherished by everyone lucky enough to witness them.”