India, March 3 -- Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Sanju Samson for commanding unwavering support from fans despite a career marked by fluctuations. In a high-pressure, must-win clash against the West Indies, Samson rose to the occasion at Eden Gardens, delivering an innings that blended composure with authority. Opening the batting, he anchored the pursuit of a stiff 196-run target with remarkable control, finishing unbeaten on 97 off just 50 balls. His knock not only silenced critics but also powered India into the semi-finals, underlining his ability to respond when the stakes are highest.

Karthik called Samson one of Indian cricket's most fascinating figures, saying his fan following rivals that of Virat Ko...