India vs West Indies Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: Sanju Samson's heroics lead India to semi-finals

Ahead of India’s virtual knockout clash against the West Indies for the final T20 World Cup semifinal spot, South African Test skipper Temba Bavuma has backed the Men in Blue to advance, citing their superior bowling attack and the potential impact of spin at Eden Gardens.

The high-stakes encounter is a rematch of the memorable 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal, and conditions in Kolkata could once again play a decisive role. Bavuma, speaking ahead of South Africa’s fixture against Zimbabwe, highlighted that while the West Indies can match any side in pure hitting power, India’s depth in bowling gives them an edge.

He pointed out that India’s attack — featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav, along with all-round options like Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya — offers greater variety and control. Bavuma also suggested that India typically find a way to stretch their totals. “I think India as well, you know, you kind of always add an extra 20 runs to their score,” he said, underlining their ability to squeeze out match-winning margins.

A key subplot revolves around spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and knows Eden Gardens well. Though Varun has endured a slight dip in the Super Eight phase, Bavuma believes the surface could assist him. “It is in Kolkata. Look, when we played there, the test match, I mean, it spun quite a lot,” Bavuma observed, adding that while T20 pitches may not turn as sharply, the potential remains.

With West Indies boasting dangerous left-handers like Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford, the contest between power-hitting and mystery spin could define the night. As Bavuma concluded, despite the excitement and unpredictability, he sees India progressing to the semifinals.

Ahead of India’s do-or-die Super 8 clash against the West Indies in Kolkata, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has urged the team to stay disciplined with their bowling plans to counter the Caribbean side’s explosive batting. The high-stakes contest revives memories of their 2016 T20 World Cup semifinal meeting, and with a semifinal berth on the line, execution will be key.

Bangar highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and warned that the West Indies’ aggressive style can rapidly shift momentum. Speaking on JioHotstar, he said, "In T20 cricket, you have to be open to getting hit because batters will come hard at you. There are times when they may get off to a rollicking start and could be 60 without loss. But with that aggressive style and focus on boundaries, they can quickly slip to 84 for 4 as well, within the space of 20-odd runs."

India will rely heavily on experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy to contain the big hitters and seize early breakthroughs. Bangar stressed the importance of sticking to clear strategies rather than reacting emotionally to early boundaries. "That's why I believe the Indian team should stick to their bowling plans and make smart use of their wicket-taking options. The use of Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah against them is going to be extremely critical," Bangar added.

He also offered tactical advice for Chakravarthy, whose form dipped slightly in the Super 8 stage. "I thought he was slightly short against the Zimbabwe batters. The majority of his deliveries were back of a length, and many of the boundaries scored came from that area. So, I think it would be better for him to push the ball slightly fuller and try to hit the stumps. That has been one of Varun Chakaravarthy's strengths; if the batsman misses, he is either trapped leg before wicket or bowled."

Bangar further pointed to the threat posed by Shimron Hetmyer, who has been West Indies’ standout batter. "Hetmyer looks to target long-on or the mid-wicket region, with a large share of his runs coming in that region. So, bowling those googlies from off-stump to the fourth-stump line, slightly wider outside off, would mean that if he tries to go across the line, there is always a wicket-taking opportunity for Varun Chakaravarthy," Bangar added.

With Hetmyer in prime form and Chakravarthy leading India’s wicket charts despite a slight dip, the battle between precision bowling and fearless hitting could decide the outcome.

As India prepare for their must-win T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against the West Indies, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Sanju Samson to continue opening the innings. Bangar believes Samson’s presence at the top brings better balance and intent to India’s batting lineup at a crucial stage of the tournament.

Bangar emphasized the tactical value of having a right-hander open, especially in a batting order dominated by left-handers. He explained that this move limits the opposition’s ability to rely heavily on off-spin bowling early in the innings. "With a right-hander at the top, India are depriving the opposition of the opportunity to use off-spin as much. It’s not necessarily that off-spinners are causing a lot of problems to left-handers. It’s just that the batters are trying to force the issue against them and, in that process, getting out," Bangar told Jio Hotstar.

He further highlighted the importance of maintaining a right-left combination in the top order. "This is a good mix because if you have three right-handers in the top seven, you can maintain the right-left combination and deprive the opposition of using four overs of off-spin," he added.

Bangar also praised Samson’s proactive approach in the previous match against Zimbabwe. India had struggled with opening partnerships earlier in the tournament, averaging less than 10 runs in the first four or five games. According to Bangar, Samson’s positive intent helped change that trend. "I thought Sanju Samson was very proactive and moved a lot in the crease. Because of that, he created run-scoring opportunities and, in that sense, gave India the start they were looking for," he said.

He added, "India were averaging less than 10 in terms of opening partnership in the four or five games they had played before the Zimbabwe match. So, the way he played, allowed Abhishek time to settle in, and by then India had already gotten off to a good start."

Samson scored a quick 24 off 15 balls and also impressed behind the stumps with a sharp catch.

Abhishek Sharma’s half-century against Zimbabwe could not have come at a better time. After enduring multiple low scores earlier in the tournament, the young opener responded with composure and aggression.

His innings provided India with a solid foundation and lifted team morale.

In T20 cricket, confidence plays a massive role, and Abhishek’s resurgence strengthens India’s top order. Facing the West Indies’ pace and spin attack will test him further, but another impactful knock could tilt the contest India’s way.

All eyes will be on Varun Chakravarthy in this high-stakes encounter. The mystery spinner has struggled for rhythm in the Super 8, conceding runs and picking up only one wicket in each match. Against quality hitters from the West Indies, accuracy will be crucial.

Returning to his IPL home ground could inspire confidence and familiarity. India will rely on his variations in the middle overs to break partnerships and control the scoring rate.

If Varun finds his best form, he could be the game-changer India need in this knockout clash.

The West Indies enter the contest after a heavy loss to South Africa, but their campaign remains alive. They began the Super 8 with an emphatic win over Zimbabwe, showing their explosive potential. Led by Shai Hope, the Caribbean side thrives in high-pressure games, especially in T20 cricket.

Known for fearless stroke play and powerful finishers, they can turn a match within overs. The nine-wicket defeat last time out will sting, but it may also fuel a strong response.

For the Windies, this is a chance to remind the cricketing world of their pedigree in global tournaments.

India head into this decisive match after a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe. That performance restored confidence following their earlier defeat to South Africa. The batting unit looked sharper, partnerships flowed, and the bowling attack executed plans effectively.

The return to form of Abhishek Sharma, who struck a crucial half-century, adds balance at the top.

The defending champions now appear settled and focused, but they understand that past results count for little in a knockout-style clash.

Carrying momentum into a must-win encounter is invaluable, yet the team must guard against complacency. The challenge will be to replicate the same intensity against a stronger West Indies side.

Sunday’s clash between India and the West Indies is more than just a Super 8 fixture — it’s a virtual quarterfinal.

With both teams level on two points in Group 1, the equation is simple: win and move to the semifinals. South Africa have already qualified, leaving one spot up for grabs.

The iconic Eden Gardens provides the perfect stage for such a high-pressure encounter. Known for its electric atmosphere and massive crowds, the venue has historically amplified big moments in world cricket. India, as defending champions, carry expectation, while the West Indies bring flair and history.

The contest promises intensity from ball one, with no room for error. Momentum, nerves, and execution under pressure will decide who advances.