The Times of India

Indian cricket team leaves from Kolkata, fans go mad for Sanju Samson

How Mr Cool Sanju Samson fired India into World Cup semis

Team India is set to host Afghanistan for a multi-format cricket series in June 2026, featuring a one-off Test and three ODIs. The tour, spanning June 6-20, will see matches played in New Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai. This series offers vital preparation for both nations ahead of a busy international schedule.

West Indies captain Shai Hope accepted blame for his team's T20 World Cup exit, admitting his slow start against India stalled their momentum. Despite a late surge, the 196-run target proved insufficient. Hope highlighted the dew factor and his winless toss record as challenges, while praising India's Sanju Samson's match-winning knock.

Team India secures a thrilling semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup 2026, setting up a high-voltage clash against England on March 5 in Mumbai. South Africa will face New Zealand in the first semi-final on March 4 in Kolkata. The winners will battle for the championship title on March 8 in Ahmedabad.

Gautam Gambhir praised Sanju Samson's match-winning 97 against the West Indies, highlighting his potential. However, the focus now shifts to the T20 World Cup semi-final against a formidable England side in Mumbai. Gambhir emphasized that India will require a 'special effort' and flawless execution to overcome the unbeaten English team.

Sanju Samson's brilliant unbeaten 97 powered India into the T20 World Cup semifinals with a five-wicket victory over the West Indies. Despite a challenging target, Samson anchored the chase, showcasing his talent. Earlier, Jason Holder and Rovman Powell's late surge helped West Indies post a competitive 195.

Zimbabwe's famed 'Castle Corner' set of supporters made themselves count in Sri Lanka as the team shocked Australia and the islanders in the T20 World Cup group stage. Having had their stay extended thanks to the team's heroic run and a benefactor, the set of six brought that energy to the Gautam Gambhir Stand at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

The BCCI has enlisted former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan to mentor the country's emerging fast bowlers. Khan will lead specialized training camps at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting early March. This initiative aims to address the recent scarcity of fast-bowling talent in Indian cricket.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey ended prematurely due to a lack of consistency and questionable decision-making. Despite favorable conditions, the team faltered, with tactical errors and batting struggles costing them dearly. Captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged pressure impacts their choices, while promising a review of leadership. Promising performances from Farhan and Tariq offered glimmers of hope amidst the disappointment.

Gautam Gambhir lauded Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, calling it a glimpse of his true potential. Samson's composed innings guided India to the T20 World Cup semifinals, showcasing his world-class talent and silencing past criticisms. Gambhir expressed confidence in Samson's ability to build on this match-winning performance.

Dubai, once a vibrant hub for top-tier tennis, now resembles a ghost town following escalating West Asian tensions. Coordinated strikes triggered widespread retaliation, leading to major airspace closures and thousands of stranded travelers. Even renowned athletes are caught in the disruption, with flights cancelled and routes blocked, creating an anxious atmosphere.

World Cup tickets in North America are proving costly, with opening match prices near $900 and the final exceeding $8,000. Despite millions of tickets made available, record demand and dynamic pricing have driven up costs, with resale prices reaching astronomical figures. Fans also face significant expenses for parking.

Sanju Samson's spectacular unbeaten 97 guided India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over the West Indies at Eden Gardens, securing a T20 World Cup semifinal spot. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav lauded Samson's patience and hard work, highlighting the team's character under pressure. This crucial win sets up a semi-final clash against England.

On Sunday, Sanju Samson delivered a defining 97 not out in a high-pressure T20 World Cup chase at the Eden Gardens. Years of watching greats like Kohli and Rohit from the dugout shaped his composure, while a stable base unlocked his power. It was a knock of high quality that may redefine his career.

Sanju Samson described his match-winning performance as a dream come true, a culmination of years battling self-doubt. He credits extensive experience, both playing and observing cricketing greats, for his ability to handle pressure. Samson emphasized adapting to match situations and focusing on his role rather than milestones, finding solace in the present moment to overcome lingering uncertainties.

Shimron Hetmyer has created a new record for hitting the most sixes in a single T20 World Cup edition. He smashed 19 sixes, surpassing Sahibzada Farhan. Hetmyer's powerful hitting has been a highlight for the West Indies. The article also mentions other notable six-hitters from past tournaments. India secured a semifinal spot after a thrilling chase against the West Indies.

Sanju Samson delivered a historic unbeaten 97, the highest T20 World Cup chase score by an Indian, to guide the team to a thrilling victory against the West Indies. His magnificent 50-ball innings, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, powered India to their record successful chase, securing a semi-final spot.

T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir on Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah and record chase vs West Indies

Sanju Samson becomes darling of Eden Gardens | T20 World Cup

T20 World Cup: Shukri Conrad press conference after SA vs ZIM

T20 World Cup: Sikandar Raza press conference after SA vs ZIM

Pace or spin, Samson took them down with aplomb and never lost shape in the process. He hit the ball where it was meant to be hit but his ice-cool nerves stood out during his 45-ball 97*, which included 12 boundaries and four sixes.

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad brought out the cupcake jibe after continuing their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup with a win over Zimbabwe. He was asked about their infamous 'chokers' tag as they ready to face New Zealand in the semi-final at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

After the US and Israel's airstrikes on Iran and their counter-attack on US military installations around the Gulf, it has affected the airspace in the global business hub of Dubai. Zimbabwe were due to fly out through that region on their way back home after a positive tournament.

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza's all-round performance, including a 73-run knock and three wickets, nearly led his team to an upset against South Africa. Despite a strong effort, South Africa secured a five-wicket victory, maintaining their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup Super Eight.

Alyssa Healy concluded her ODI career with a brilliant century, scoring 158 as Australia posted 409/7. Beth Mooney also contributed an unbeaten 106, leading Australia to a commanding 185-run victory over India in the final ODI. This win secured a 3-0 series sweep for Australia.

Football authorities are supporting Iran's women's team at the Women's Asian Cup in Australia following recent military strikes in Iran. The Asian Football Confederation is monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of all involved. The Iranian team aims to showcase their abilities and qualify for the World Cup.

Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar stresses the need for disciplined bowling from India against the West Indies' aggressive batting. He highlights the importance of Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy executing their plans, particularly advising Chakaravarthy to bowl fuller to exploit potential LBW or bowled dismissals against key batsmen like Shimron Hetmyer.

T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha press conference after PAK vs SL

Security concerns in Abu Dhabi have led to the cancellation of the second unofficial one-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and England Lions. The England and Wales Cricket Board cited safety as their top priority, also delaying the England Women's team's trip. The disruption follows military strikes and missile fire in the region, causing airspace closures and flight cancellations.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary humorously warned India that failing to beat the West Indies in their crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 clash could jeopardize their IPL futures. This high-stakes match is effectively a knockout for a semi-final spot, with both teams seeking to bounce back after losses to South Africa.

England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens are stranded in Dubai after Irans air strikes led to UAE airspace closure, cancelling their match. Jonny Bairstow, Andrew Flintoff, and others are stuck. The ECB says, The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority, while Bairstow sought flight updates on X.

Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and her coach faced a terrifying ordeal at Dubai International Airport after an explosion near their location. Stranded due to flight suspensions amid Middle East tensions, they are anxiously awaiting departure for the All England Championships. The Badminton World Federation is monitoring the situation closely, prioritizing player safety.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board's leadership, calling the management clueless after their T20 World Cup exit. Akhtar highlighted flawed player selections, suggesting the team's consistent failures in ICC tournaments stem from a weak support structure around PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to seek better advice.

Jammu and Kashmirs historic Ranji Trophy triumph is a story of collective belief, long battles and delayed redemption. From Paras Dogras leadership to Auqib Nabis rise, from Abid Nabis unfulfilled dream to Samiullah Beigh's sweet redemption, this title reflects years of quiet toil. In the end, it was not about who claimed credit first, but about a village that won together.

India vs West Indies: Greenstone Lobo predicts fate of do-or-die World Cup clash

The Asian Football Confederation offers full support to Iran's women's football team in Australia. The team arrived before major attacks on their homeland. They are set to compete in the Women's Asian Cup, aiming to showcase Iranian women's potential. The tournament is a significant platform for the players, with World Cup qualification as a key goal.

Varun Chakravarthy returns to Eden Gardens, a venue where he has excelled, as a key weapon for India's T20 squad. Despite recent indifferent form, both Indian and West Indies management acknowledge his wicket-taking ability. The team also expressed strong support for Rinku Singh following his father's passing.

India faces West Indies in a crucial T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens, needing a win to secure a semifinal spot. While India is favored, the West Indies' unpredictability and their own recent batting form, including Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, will keep the contest tense. Jasprit Bumrah's bowling prowess is expected to be a key factor.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is nearing its conclusion, with England, South Africa, and New Zealand securing semifinal spots. The final berth will be decided between India and the West Indies in a crucial Super 8 clash. Semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final on March 8.

T20 World Cup 2026: Sourav Ganguly backs a batting spectacle at Eden Gardens

Sri Lanka's head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has stepped down following the team's T20 World Cup 2026 exit. Despite a narrow loss to Pakistan, Jayasuriya expressed disappointment at not ending his tenure on a high note. His contract concludes in June, with formal discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket pending.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey ended despite a win over Sri Lanka, with captain Salman Ali Agha citing batting frailties, particularly in the middle order, as a key reason for their exit.

India head into a virtual quarter-final against West Indies at Eden Gardens determined to embrace, not mask, pressure. While Darren Sammy has issued a war cry, Indias management insists on reframing pressure as privilege. With South Africa unbeaten and a semi-final spot at stake, Sundays clash promises a high-stakes contest between two T20 heavyweights ready to fight fire with fire.

Mumbai's side-arm throwdown specialist Abhishek Jain received a surprise call to bowl for the West Indies team during their practice session. Impressing coach Darren Sammy with his pace and accuracy, Jain was asked to be called daily for upcoming sessions. He also shared his gratitude towards KL Rahul for past support.

Badminton star PV Sindhu is stranded in Dubai after missile-related airspace disruptions suspended flights. Initially en route to the All England Open, she described a frightening explosion near the airport. Thanks to airport staff and the Indian High Commission, she and her team are safe in a secure location, awaiting the situation to stabilize and hoping to reach England.

PV Sindhu is stranded at Dubai airport after Middle East airspace closures disrupted flights following the US-Israel attack on Iran. She was heading to Birmingham for the All England Open. Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty reached safely. The Indian mens basketball team is also stuck in Doha due to suspended flight operations.