Cricket icon Ricky Ponting has credited India’s faith in Sanju Samson with propelling them to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 success. Speaking on ‘The ICC Review,’ the former Australia skipper called the decision to retain the explosive wicketkeeper-batter higher up the order as the tournament’s pivotal masterstroke.
Samson faced early turbulence, managing a mere 46 runs in five games against New Zealand. He earned a group-stage spot against Namibia amid Abhishek Sharma’s illness-enforced absence. His Super 8 outing against Zimbabwe yielded 24 runs off 15 balls, hinting at bigger things.
Breakthrough arrived in the high-stakes West Indies showdown in Kolkata, with Samson’s unbeaten 97 setting the tone. Momentum carried into the semi-final in Mumbai, where he notched 89 against England, before capping it with another 89 off 46 in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. His 321-run haul across five knocks stands as the record for most runs by an Indian in a T20 World Cup, clinching Player of the Tournament honors.
Ponting dissected the strategy: ‘It was gutsy to keep him up top, but captains and coaches showing belief works wonders.’ He highlighted how such backing boosts morale, especially for gifted players like Samson, leading to match-winning exploits.
The Aussie great also applauded Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. Despite personal form dips, Yadav orchestrated team excellence, exemplified by Abhishek Sharma’s final flourish of 52 off 21. Ponting noted leading amid inconsistency is the true test of leadership – one Yadav aced, delivering the trophy home.
India’s campaign exemplifies how strategic patience and player empowerment forge championship legacies in modern T20 cricket.