"This Award Should Go To Him" — Samson's Humble Tribute to Bumrah Wins Hearts

Sanju Samson, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final victory over England, has humbly stated that he did not deserve the Player of the Match award, insisting it should have gone to pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Samson scored a blistering 42-ball 89, laying the foundation for India’s imposing total of 253/7 at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, but he credited Bumrah’s exceptional bowling for turning the match in India’s favour. Despite the batting-friendly conditions, Bumrah’s spell of 1/33 in four overs during the death overs proved crucial in restricting England to 246/7, helping India secure a narrow seven-run win.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Samson praised Bumrah as a “world-class bowler” and a “once-in-a-generation player,” acknowledging that without his disciplined bowling, the victory would have been far more difficult. “All credit goes to Bumrah. I think this award should go to him actually. If we didn’t bowl that way in the death overs, I would not be standing here,” Samson said. His gesture highlights the importance of teamwork and selflessness even in high-stakes matches.

This performance marked Samson’s second consecutive fifty-plus knock in the tournament, following his crucial innings against the West Indies in the Super Eights game at Kolkata. The wicketkeeper-batter said he felt “unbelievable” to perform at the Wankhede Stadium and emphasized the need to maximize scoring in a ground where chasing totals is always possible. Samson noted that he had carried momentum from the previous match and gave himself extra time at the crease to make the most of his form.

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Samson explained his approach, saying he calculated his innings carefully and prepared thoroughly, taking advantage of the favourable conditions to add as many runs as possible. “Even 250 looked like chaseable here and England played really well. All credit goes to how they batted, and we really had a great semifinal,” he added. The hosts’ ability to post a high total put pressure on England and set the stage for a tight contest.

Despite narrowly missing out on a century, Samson remained unconcerned, emphasizing that in T20 cricket, personal milestones are secondary to team success. “You can’t actually score a hundred here; it comes in the process. I’m very happy to contribute to the winning side for my country,” he said, reflecting the team-first mindset that has guided India through crucial stages of the tournament.

India will now face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday in Ahmedabad, aiming to clinch the title. Samson’s humility and Bumrah’s death-over heroics have set the tone for India’s campaign, highlighting the balance of explosive batting and disciplined bowling required to succeed on the big stage. With the final approaching, both players will be central to India’s title aspirations.

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