Sanju Samson created history… became the second Indian wicketkeeper after Dhoni to score 1000 runs in T20 International.

New Delhi. Sanju Samson created new history with his batting in the high-voltage final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Sanju, who came as an opener in the title match against New Zealand, not only gave a stormy start to India, but also achieved a feat which only Mahendra Singh Dhoni could touch till date.

As soon as 31-year-old Sanju Samson of Kerala hit a six on the fifth ball of Matt Henry’s very first over, he completed his 1000 runs as a specialist wicketkeeper-batsman in T20 international cricket. Sanju has become only the second wicketkeeper for India to achieve this feat after MS Dhoni (1617 runs). Sanju achieved this feat in his 45th match (as a keeper), while he has now scored 1316 runs in 62 T20 International matches. In this race, he has left behind giants like Rishabh Pant (996) and Ishan Kishan (545).

Facing the pressure of the final, Sanju started his innings with a six. This was his 17th six in this tournament (T20 World Cup 2026). During this period, Sanju also broke the historical record of New Zealand Finn Allen. Finn Allen had hit 20 sixes in 8 matches of this World Cup, whereas Sanju has hit 21 sixes. He became the world number-1 batsman to hit the most number of sixes (21) in a World Cup edition.

Sanju’s threat on the world stage: Even though the world records are in the name of England’s Jos Buttler (3592 runs), Quinton de Kock and Mohammad Rizwan (3000+ runs), but the speed with which Sanju is scoring runs, he has made the world realize his power. His aggression in the final has made it clear that he is not only carrying forward Dhoni’s legacy but is also creating an identity of his own which will set an example for the coming generations.

Lakhs of spectators present on the grounds of Ahmedabad stood up and welcomed this ‘Hazari’ record of Sanju. However, Sanju returned to the pavilion after playing an innings of 89 runs. Sanju had also played an inning of 89 runs against England.