Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden praised Sanju Samson for his late flourish in T20 World Cup 2026 and compared his run with Adam Gilchrist’s 2007 ODI World Cup form. Gilchrist scored 453 runs in 11 matches at an average of 45.30 and a blistering strike rate of 103.90. The left-hander scored a whirlwind knock of 149 runs off just 104 balls in the summit clash against Sri Lanka.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson returned with scores of 97(50), 89(42), and 89(46) in the virtual quarterfinals, semifinal and final of the tournament, respectively. The right-hander was awarded Player of the tournament after he scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.

Matthew Hayden said on All Over Bar Cricket YouTube Channel, “We’ve watched Sanju Samson now in the IPL for 10 years. He has just lacked that consistency for an opener or No.3. He has floated around the order. But he just hit his stride in an unbelievable game at the Eden Gardens. Just the way he was able to effortlessly ball strike, it reminded me a bit of Gilly (Gilchrist).”

“Gilly didn’t really turn up in the World Cup in the West Indies (2007), and suddenly, in the final against Sri Lanka, he turns up and gets a big hundred. He’s just that dangerous, Sanju. And with Sanju at the top, there is just everything to gain.”

Hayden praised Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir for leading the team to victory and said it was a big moment for the former Indian opener.

“He’s (Gambhir) not probably the most affable character. He is not cracking a smile. Every now and again, he might have a bit of a smirk. But he has done a really good job with this team. And he was under some pressure as well, going into this tournament. It was a big moment for him and the side,” said Hayden (via the aforementioned source).

India would look to carry the good show under Gambhir’s tutelage.