India vs West Indies: Will Sanju Samson play in IND vs WI Super Eight Match Today?

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As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 reaches its boiling point, all eyes are on the high-stakes Super 8 encounter between defending champions India and two-time winners West Indies at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens on March 1, 2026.

This match, effectively a virtual quarterfinal, pits Suryakumar Yadav's India against Shai Hope's Caribbean side, with the winner securing a semifinal berth against England.

Samson, the explosive Kerala batsman and wicketkeeper, has been a focal point of India's evolving strategy in this tournament. After a brief absence, he made an impactful return in the previous Super 8 game against Zimbabwe, where his aggressive 24 off 15 balls set a blistering tone for India's innings.

Will Sanju Samson play for India Today?

This cameo, though modest in runs, highlighted his ability to provide intent from the outset, addressing India's need for a right-handed opener to balance a left-heavy top order dominated by players like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. The left and right hand combination in the last match paid dividends, as India racked up their best opening partnership of this T20 World Cup edition with 48 runs.

Samson's form leading into the World Cup adds weight to his likely participation. In domestic and IPL circuits, he has consistently delivered match-winning knocks, boasting a T20 strike rate over 140. His dual role as a keeper-batsman offers flexibility, especially with Ishan Kishan focusing on batting at No. 3.

The Eden Gardens pitch, known for favouring batsmen with true bounce and short boundaries, suits Samson's aggressive style. Weather forecasts indicate minimal rain risk, ensuring a full game where Samson's quick starts could prove decisive.

This is the first meeting between India and West Indies in a T20 World Cup since 2016, when they beat India in the semifinals. The Eden Gardens was also the venue where the Windies won their 2nd title back in 2016.