\n<\/p>\n
With the pressure of 50,597 clad in blue packed into the stands at Eden Gardens, and the weight of a nation on their shoulders, Samson played a stellar hand for an India team bidding to defend the trophy they won in 2024. <\/p>\n
This would have been the kind of chase that Virat Kohli would have masterfully approached in the past – one where temperament was as pertinent a factor as talent.<\/p>\n
Samson toppled the pillars of the West Indies bowling attack in a methodical manner – expertly picking his moments to attack and increase the tempo of the chase with ruthless calculation.<\/p>\n
There were four sixes but the the risk-free control of 12 fours, which barely got off the carpet, emphasised T20 cricket’s most important muscle is the mind not the bicep.<\/p>\n
Samson’s deftness to use the crease to arrow square drives through backward point were particularly eye-catching.<\/p>\n
“I have been playing this format for a long time and learning from the greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,” Samson said in his post-match interview after being named player of the match.<\/p>\n
“It is important to observe. I never felt I would do something like this. This is one of the greatest days of my life.”<\/p>\n
Samson has three T20 international hundreds to his name but the career of the Kerala man – who studied an English literature degree – has been a tale of the unexpected after periods in and out of the India side.<\/p>\n
In fact this was just his third match of the World Cup following modest returns of 22 and 24 against Zimbabwe and Namibia.<\/p>\n
After he had whipped Shepherd over the square-leg boundary for six, Samson chipped the West Indies seamer over the head of mid-on to seal a memorable victory and possibly the iconic moment of his career.<\/p>\n
He then fell to his knees, crossed himself and looked to the heavens. <\/p>\n
While Samson is not necessarily Kohli’s heir, he had got India across the line by a hair’s breadth in the manner of the India batting legend.<\/p>\n
“It means the whole world to me. From the day I started playing, this is the day I was waiting for. I have had a special journey and doubted myself at times, but I kept believing,” Samson added.<\/p>\n
England are next.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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