In 2016, Virat Kohli had to leave the field with tears in his eyes. India had to bid farewell to the T20 World Cup semi-final after losing to this very West Indies team. Kohli's unbeaten innings of 89 runs went in vain. Ten years have passed since then. Virat is not there, but Sanju Samson was. Riding on his unbeaten innings of 97 runs, India defeated the West Indies and reached the T20 World Cup semi-final. And after the match, Sanju's special celebration came into discussion. Right after playing the winning stroke, he removed his helmet and knelt on the ground. What is the meaning of this celebration? Sanju opened up.
Also Read । Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 powers India into T20 World Cup semifinal, West Indies knocked out
On Sunday, Sanju Samson virtually single-handedly took responsibility and won the match for India against the Caribbean. Opening the batting, he remained unbeaten on 97 runs off 50 balls. His innings included 12 boundaries and four sixes. In the last over, he hit a six off the first ball from Romario Shepherd. He then hit a boundary off the next ball to win the do-or-die match for India. Right after that, he performed his special celebration.
What celebration did Sanju perform?
Right after winning the match for India, Sanju knelt on the ground. He removed his helmet with one hand and virtually threw it aside. He spread both hands and looked towards the sky. After that, he completed the process of thanking Jesus. Finally, Sanju was seen joining both hands in a gesture of namaste. By then, Shivam Dube had come running from the non-striker's end. The rest also came and embraced him.
What is the meaning of this celebration?
After the match, Sanju opened up about this special celebration. Without clearly stating the reason, he explained how emotional and personal this celebration was for him. He said, 'This is a very special moment for me. And I believe in certain things very strongly. So I don't want to reveal the meaning of this celebration publicly. Why this celebration – let that remain personal.'
Also Read । Watch | Sanju Samson’s iconic celebration after match-winning 97* vs West Indies
Now it remains to be seen whether Sanju's bat produces another big innings against England in the semi-final.
