Samson credits years of hard work after powering India into T20 World Cup final

MUMBAI, March 5 : India opener Sanju Samson said his knock against England on Thursday was the product of years of quiet work and difficult stretches, adding that the job remained unfinished as India look to secure back-to-back Twenty20 World Cup titles.

Samson's 89 anchored India's total of 253-7 and laid the foundation for a tense seven-run semi-final win at the Wankhede Stadium. England, carried by Jacob Bethell's outstanding hundred, fell just short in one of the closest matches of the tournament.

"I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country... a lot of patience, inner work, training and practice," Samson told reporters after India set up a final showdown with New Zealand.

"Definitely I feel grateful, but we have one more step to go. If we do that, then I think all the work, everything was worth it."

Samson admitted the innings was shaped by the momentum he carried from his unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the previous match.

"The last innings definitely played a good role today. I knew I was timing the ball well and taking good decisions. If you're in form, you should definitely contribute again," he said.

Samson had a tough 2025 and then struggled during the five-match T20 international series against New Zealand earlier in the year but he said the period prompted a reset in both technique and mindset.

"I was trying a bit too much in the New Zealand series. I wanted to make an impact and get into the 11 of the World Cup here," he said.

"Even the best in the world actually struggle to score runs in this format. I had to respect the game and come back to my basics."

England captain Harry Brook closed the tournament on a positive note, saying his side could leave the tournament proud despite