![\"Captain's](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-128945452,imgsize-45752,width-400,resizemode-4\/sanju-samson2-0203-bcci.jpg\" "\\"Sanju")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Perpetually under scrutiny, Sanju Samson<\/a> rose above the noise with a match-winning 97 not out as India defeated West Indies by five wickets in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash to storm into the semifinals on Sunday.But beyond the runs and the result, it was a captain\u2019s bow that defined the night at Eden Gardens.<\/p>\n Indian cricket team leaves from Kolkata, fans go mad for Sanju Samson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n India will now face England in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.As the winning boundary was struck and the noise reached fever pitch, Samson began his walk back to the pavilion. That\u2019s when India skipper Suryakumar Yadav<\/a> did something few captains do.Surya walked down from his position, removed his cap and bowed to Sanju in the middle of the ground before embracing him tightly. It was spontaneous, heartfelt and symbolic \u2014 a public acknowledgement of belief repaid.The packed Eden Gardens, with over 65,000 spectators, erupted. Teammates applauded. Fans roared. It was more than celebration; it was respect.Asked to bat first, West Indies followed a clear attacking blueprint. Roston Chase laid the foundation before Rovman Powell (34* off 19 balls) and Jason Holder<\/a> (37* off 22 balls) launched a late assault to power them to 195\/4.Chasing 196 in a virtual knockout, India needed composure. Instead, they lost early momentum as in-form batters faltered under pressure.That\u2019s when Sanju stood tall.Playing only his third match of the tournament, the wicketkeeper-batter produced an innings of poise and authority \u2014 97* off 50 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes. He batted deep, absorbed the pressure and ensured India reached 199\/5 in 19.2 overs, sealing victory with four balls to spare.In the 19th over, with tension peaking, Sanju brought the scores level by heaving Romario Shepherd\u2019s attempted yorker high over square leg for a towering six \u2014 a statement blow under pressure.Moments later, he carved the winning boundary over a leaping mid-on to book India\u2019s semifinal berth and end West Indies\u2019 campaign at the very venue where they had lifted their second and last T20 World Cup title in 2016.As \u201cMaa Tujhe Salaam\u201d echoed through Eden Gardens, Sanju dropped to his knees, removed his helmet and offered a quiet prayer \u2014 a moment of relief, gratitude and redemption. The BCCI top brass stood up in applause.And just behind that image stood Surya\u2019s bow \u2014 a captain recognising a warrior who had delivered when it mattered most.On a night of pressure and expectation, it wasn\u2019t just about a 97*. It was about faith, redemption and a skipper who wasn\u2019t afraid to bow down to brilliance.<\/div>\n\n