Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes that India’s heavy defeat against the South African cricket team forced the team management to rethink their playing combination — a move that ultimately worked in India’s favour during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to Kaif, that setback opened the door for Sanju Samson, whose inclusion proved to be a game-changing decision.

India faced a daunting chase of 196 against the West Indies cricket team to reach the semifinals. Samson delivered one of the most composed innings of the tournament, remaining unbeaten on 97 from just 50 balls. His innings, decorated with 12 fours and four sixes, guided India national cricket team to a memorable five-wicket victory and secured their place in the last four.

Speaking in a YouTube Shorts clip, Kaif pointed out that Samson’s opportunity came largely out of necessity. After India’s crushing 76-run loss to South Africa, the team management felt the need to reassess the batting order. With several left-handed batters already in the lineup, Samson’s right-handed presence added balance.

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Mohammad Kaif even suggested that without that defeat, Samson might not have made the playing XI. “In a way, South Africa deserves some credit,” Kaif explained, noting that the loss pushed the think tank to experiment with the combination.

What impressed Kaif the most was Samson’s calmness under pressure. Chasing 196 in a knockout situation can rattle even experienced players, but Samson looked completely unfazed. With the required rate hovering around 10 runs per over, he rotated strike smartly and punished loose deliveries with authority.

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Kaif highlighted Samson’s experience in the format, pointing to his 8,000-plus T20 runs in domestic cricket as proof of his ability. According to him, the batter never showed nerves during the chase, maintaining control from the very first ball to the last.

With momentum on their side, India will now take on the England cricket team in the semifinal in Mumbai, where the team led by Rohit Sharma will aim to continue their strong run in the tournament.