Kolkata, March 1 -- Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir hailed Sanju Samson's match-winning performance against West Indies at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, saying he showed his true potential when the team needed him most.

Gambhir emphasised that Samson is a world-class player who deserved backing, and this win could be a turning point for him. Samson's majestic 97* single-handedly led Team India to a five-wicket win over West Indies on Sunday, which also sealed their spot in the final four of the T20 World Cup.

Samson's sparkling unbeaten 97 kept alive India's dream of retaining the T20 World Cup at home as they knocked out the West Indies.

"Sanju is a world-class player, we all know how good a player he is. And it was all about backing him. ...