IND vs WI: Sanju Samson 97 Powers Record 196 Chase, Fans Call It ‘Generational’ as India Reach Semi-Finals

Sanju Samson dropped to his knees. Then he looked up at the sky. Then he crossed his heart. Eden Gardens had seen Carlos Brathwaite break Indian hearts in 2016. Ten years later, Brathwaite handed over the Player of the Match trophy to the man who rewrote that memory.

India chased down 196, their highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history, and it was Samson who carried them across the line with a regal 97 off just 50 balls.

"This means the world," Samson said after the game. "Right from the day I started playing, this is the day I was waiting for. I have had a special journey, lots of ups and downs, doubting myself, then ending up finding enough belief."

Sanju Samson Saves India

India weren't supposed to begin this tournament with Samson as their first-choice opener. In fact, he wasn't even the preferred option for the first five matches. But with must-win games stacking up, India turned to Plan B.

He delivered like Plan A.

West Indies posted 195: competitive but not untouchable. Much like the 2016 semi-final at this venue when India made 193 and fell short, this one was shaped by power hitting outside the powerplay. Shai Hope's steady 33-ball 32 anchored the innings, but the rest of the damage came from the middle overs.

India's chase wobbled at times. Abhishek Sharma fell early. Ishan Kishan couldn't convert. Hardik Pandya's dismissal in the 19th over briefly reopened the door.

But Samson never panicked. He reached his first fifty of the tournament in just 26 balls - his first half-century in 13 innings - yet avoided reckless shots. When wickets fell, he reset. When the equation tightened, he recalculated.

He later admitted he had to "keep dragging myself back to the present" and react ball by ball.

Shivam Dube's brief but vital four-ball cameo in the 19th over steadied nerves. Seven were needed off the last over. The rest belonged to Samson.

For the first time in his IPL and international T20 career, he opened a chase and stayed unbeaten till the finish.

India through to the T20 World Cup semi-finals

Samson revealed he has played "50-60 games" for India but watched another 100 from the dugout. That's where he learned, he said, from the greats - how to close a chase.

On Sunday night, he became the one others will study and fans called it generational. Reactions poured in within seconds of the winning runs.

"Yes when you see two highest successful run chases for India you will see Virat 82 vs Australia, Virat 82 vs Pakistan... and now Sanju 97 vs West Indies. Once in a lifetime moment for Sanju Samson."

Another wrote: "Sanju Samson! The hands are shivering! The eyes are in tears! Thank you for generational knock."

"Finally GOD did justice to SANJU SAMSON," posted one fan.

Perhaps the most fitting summary read: "Just one month back he was trolled for not performing. But when it was required to perform he did his best. Sanju Samson single-handedly made India into semifinals."

In a tournament defined by pressure, doubt and shifting combinations, Samson found clarity and India found their semi-final spot.