New Delhi, March 5 – India’s stunning victory over England in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday drew widespread praise from the BCCI, former cricketers, and the public, with many highlighting the contributions of Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, and the team's overall performance.
After setting a target of 254, India restricted England to 246/7 to win by seven runs and secure their spot in Sunday's final, where they will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Following the thrilling victory, several former cricketers took to social media to congratulate the Indian team.
"What a game! Well played England! Sanju Samson was brilliant, and Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Axar Patel all played exceptionally well. Fantastic," said BCCI president Mithun Manhas.
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, said, "What a thrilling victory! India defeated England to reach the final of the ICC T20 World Cup. @IamSanjuSamson played a magnificent innings, with excellent support from @IamShivamDube, @ishankishan51, @hardikpandya7, and outstanding fielding from @akshar2026. Congratulations to Team India on this superb performance."
Suresh Raina, a former cricketer, posted on X, "What a perfect way to end the night! This is what a big match temperament looks like – fearless cricket, strong mindset, and superb teamwork from Team India. Big shoutout to Sanju Samson and Jacob Bethell for their performance tonight. That's the spirit that makes big games even more special. Proud of the boys and the way they're playing for the country – just one step away now."
Kedar Jadhav, another former cricketer, wrote on X, "Into the FINAL! An outstanding display of talent, determination, and team spirit by Team India. The entire nation is cheering for you!"
Harbhajan Singh praised the team's bowling in the final overs and Samson's performance. "How many runs are safe nowadays? That was a crazy #INDvsENG semi-final. The death over bowling of #TeamIndia made the difference. Congratulations for the huge win. Again, @IamSanjuSamson proved that he is a serious cricketer. @IamShivamDube and @TilakV9 also made notable contributions. @Jaspritbumrah93 and other bowlers decimated them at the end. Keep up the momentum for the final."
Robin Uthappa highlighted multiple performances in the game. "And we have to remember Shivam Dube's contribution with the bat and his performance in the final over – he's been consistent throughout the tournament. Special mention today to someone who constantly flies under the radar – @akshar2026! His fielding was the difference today between winning and losing! Top-notch performance! @hardikpandya7! Clutch! When the team needs it!"
Yusuf Pathan also lauded the team effort. "Brilliant team effort from @BCCI. Sanju Samson played a superb knock, Axar Patel was outstanding in the field, and that 18th over from Jasprit Bumrah changed the game. Great win! #INDvENG"
His brother, Irfan Pathan, singled out Bumrah's influence. "In a 500-run game, my Man of the Match is Jasprit Bumrah. His economy was 8.25. HE WAS THE DIFFERENCE."
VVS Laxman shared, "A performance defined by composure, belief, and stepping up when it mattered the most. Congratulations to Team India on a fantastic victory in the semifinals. Wishing the team all the very best for the finals."
Shreevats Goswami emphasised the role of Axar Patel in the field. "Axar Patel's catching was the difference tonight! Believe it or not. We have seen a lot of 6's and 4's tonight, with 14 wickets falling. But those two catches by Axar Patel changed the game for India. He is my Man of the Match. India held their nerves. Well done, boys."
Angelo Mathews, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, praised the thrilling contest. "One heck of a chase by @ECB_cricket! What a knock by Bethell! What a game! India finds a way to pull it off! Expecting a fantastic final!"
Lalit Modi, founder of the Indian Premier League, also congratulated the team. "Congratulations to #TeamIndia for its nail-biting win over England. Must say, England put up an amazing chase to India's 253 runs. Both teams performed brilliantly – delighting all cricket fans. Looking forward to the finals now. Congratulations to @gautamgambhir and his boys. Brilliant."
Shikhar Dhawan, a former Indian opener, highlighted the combined efforts with bat, ball, and in the field. "What a match and what a performance from the boys! @IamSanjuSamson leading the way with the bat, @IamShivamDube providing great support, and a disciplined bowling effort led by @Jaspritbumrah93 with @hardikpandya7's crucial penultimate over making a big difference. Special mention to @akshar2026 for that marvellous effort in the field, grabbing two amazing catches. Back-to-back T20 World Cup finals. One more to go."
Anjum Chopra, a former Indian women's captain, summed up the dramatic encounter. "Belief and relief! After 253 on board, India wins by 7 runs. What a run fest… again at Wankhede Stadium."
India’s thrilling win sealed their place in the final, with the high-scoring contest drawing widespread admiration from the cricketing fraternity.
