Star India batter Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt message for Sanju Samson following the wicketkeeper-batter’s remarkable performance in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament after India’s title-winning campaign.
India secured a historic 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, clinching their third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first nation to win the tournament at home.
Kohli praises Samson’s match-winning performances
Taking to Instagram, Kohli congratulated Samson and acknowledged his crucial role in India’s triumph.
“What a remarkable tournament from the most well-deserved man of the tournament @imsanjusamson. You performed when it mattered the most. Really happy for you, chetta,” Kohli wrote on his Instagram story.
Samson’s consistency and fearless batting throughout the tournament played a decisive role in India’s successful campaign.
Samson joins elite Indian list
With this award, Samson became the third Indian cricketer to win the Player of the Tournament honour, after Virat Kohli (2014, 2016) and Jasprit Bumrah (2024).
Despite featuring in only five of India’s nine matches, Samson finished as the team’s highest run-scorer, amassing 321 runs at an impressive average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.
His aggressive batting approach and ability to deliver under pressure proved vital during the knockout stages.
Turning point in India’s campaign
Interestingly, Samson was not part of India’s initial playing XI due to inconsistent form leading up to the tournament.
He was first included for the second group match against Namibia after Abhishek Sharma was sidelined due to health issues. Samson scored a quick 22 off 8 balls, but was dropped again once Abhishek recovered.
His real comeback came during the Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, when India’s left-handed opening pair struggled against off-spin in the powerplay. Samson made an immediate impact with a brisk 24 off 15 balls, helping stabilise the start.
Match-winning knocks in knockout stages
Samson’s defining moment arrived in the must-win match against the West Indies, where he scored a sensational 97 off 50 balls*. The knock powered India to their highest-ever chase in T20 World Cup history — 196 runs, securing a semi-final berth.
He followed it up with another outstanding innings of 89 off 42 balls in the semi-final against England, helping India post 253/7, the highest total in T20 World Cup knockout history.
In the final against New Zealand, Samson delivered once again, scoring 89 off 46 balls as India posted 255/5, setting up the dominant victory.
His consistent performances made him one of the few players in T20 World Cup history to score half-centuries in both the semi-final and final of the same edition, sealing his place as the tournament’s standout performer.