Former Indian wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta rated Sanju Samson’s knock as a very good example of the modern-day sheet anchor role. India registered a five-wicket win against the West Indies in the Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. Chasing a competitive total of 196, Samson scored a match-winning knock of 97 runs off just 50 balls to take his team over the line.
The Indian opener smashed a dozen fours and four sixes in his magnum opus knock and scored his runs at a strike rate of 194. Samson showed all the maturity and didn’t throw away his start, which he has done in the past.
Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube Channel, “Sanju Samson’s innings, especially after wickets fell, the maturity was unbelievable. This is a very good example of a modern-day sheet anchor role – somebody who will hold on to one end, but also make sure that he’s scoring at a very high pace. A lot of people say, sheet anchor, that role does not exist. But, if you think about it, this is exactly the role that Sanju played in this game.
Dasgupta said Samson showed maturity when India lost wickets at the other end and played according to the match situation.
“Initially, he took chances. When the wicket fells, he held on to one end. Even without taking chances, he can bat the way he did and score at the rate that he did, that also says a lot about his class. He still kept playing his shots. But then in the last minute, he finished it off as well,” the former stumper added.
The former Bengal cricketer said Samson’s special knock came at the right time for India, as this was a virtual quarterfinal.
“Under pressure, with a semifinal at stake, position at stake, I thought this is one of the best innings – T20 innings, or run chase. This also shows Sanju’s class, his ability. And that’s the reason at times, you’re like, why can’t you do this more often? You know, for the last 10 years, we’ve seen this quality. And I’m so glad, it came just about at the right time. Just when India needed it.”
India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.
