India captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir's gestures for Sanju Samson after the star wicketkeeper-batter powered the defending champions into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup won hearts on social media. Samson, who slammed a 50-ball 97, orchestrated India's 196-run chase against former champions West Indies in what was deemed the virtual quarterfinal between the two sides. The 31-year-old slammed 12 fours and four sixes to set up a semi-final showdown against England in Mumbai on March 5.

As Samson was making his way to the dugout after getting the job done, India captain Suryakumar Yadav doffed his hat to acknowledge the veteran, who had been dropped for the Super 8 clash against South Africa last week, a match India lost by a comfortable margin. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, meanwhile, greeted Samson with a warm embrace. Both gestures have since gone viral on social media.

Speaking after the match, Gambhir lavished praise on Samson, saying the wicketkeeper-batter stepped up when the team needed him the most. 

"Sanju Samson is a world-class player; he stepped up for India when it was needed the most," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.

Samson eventually fell agonisingly short of a century (97*), but his knock proved decisive as India sealed a place in the semi-finals. This was, however, his first half-century after 12 innings.
India's chase of 196 now stands at the highest successful chase in T20Is at this venue.This was, however, his first half-century after 12 innings.
India's chase of 196 now stands at the highest successful chase in T20Is at this venue.