Sanju Samson Shines in T20 World Cup: Rashid Latif's Praise

In a recent match during the T20 World Cup 2026, Sanju Samson delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 89 runs off 42 balls against England. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif praised Samson's tactical awareness and composure, both as a batsman and wicketkeeper. Latif emphasized the significance of Samson's contributions in leading India to victory and suggested he deserves the Man of the Tournament award. Despite initial struggles, Samson's resurgence in the knockout stages has impressed many, showcasing the Indian team's trust in his abilities. Read on to discover more about this thrilling match and Samson's journey in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 21:42 IST

Rashid Latif Commends Sanju Samson's Performance

Rashid Latif, the former captain of Pakistan, has expressed high admiration for Indian cricketer Sanju Samson following his outstanding innings of 89 runs off 42 balls against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. This remarkable performance propelled India to a formidable total of 253 runs on a pitch that offered little assistance to bowlers. Samson's earlier impressive display against the West Indies in a crucial Super 8s match also played a significant role in securing India's place in the semi-finals.

Latif remarked that Samson's batting resembled that of a computer, showcasing exceptional tactical awareness while consistently finding boundaries. He noted, “Sanju's batting was reminiscent of a computer game. Regardless of whether he faced spinners or pacers, his momentum was rapid—just as Mohammad Amir mentioned after his drop. Jofra Archer faced a tough time against him,” during his appearance on Haarna Mana Hai, a program on Pakistan's Geo TV.

Moreover, Latif highlighted the importance of death bowling in the match, crediting Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah for their crucial overs that helped India regain control. He also praised Samson's wicketkeeping skills, emphasizing his composure behind the stumps, which often went unnoticed. “Sanju kept wickets with such poise that it was hardly acknowledged. He is an exceptionally composed player. His contributions set the tone for both the semi-final and final. In my view, he deserves the Man of the Tournament award,” the 57-year-old stated.

Despite not being in peak form initially, Samson was included in the T20 World Cup squad and did not feature in the starting XI during the tournament's early matches. However, he showed signs of a comeback with notable performances against Namibia and Zimbabwe, culminating in his standout displays in the knockout stages. Latif concluded by acknowledging the Indian team's faith in Samson, stating, “His performance has taken everyone by surprise, and credit goes to the management for believing in him despite earlier setbacks.”