New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) In a thrilling turn of events, India's remarkable victory against England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday sparked an avalanche of accolades from the BCCI and former cricket legends. Many pointed out the vital contributions made by Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, and the overall teamwork exhibited by the squad.

Setting a daunting target of 254 runs, India successfully limited England to 246/7, securing a narrow seven-run triumph and earning a place in the final showdown against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday.

After the edge-of-the-seat match, numerous former players expressed their congratulations to the Men in Blue through social media platforms.

BCCI president Mithun Manhas exclaimed, "What an incredible game! Well played, England! The teamwork was outstanding, particularly Sanju Samson's brilliant performance, along with notable contributions from Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Axar Patel. Fantastic work! Now on to Ahmedabad for the finals!"

Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla remarked, "What a sensational victory! India triumphed over England to reach the ICC T20 World Cup final. A stellar innings by Sanju Samson, with excellent support from Shivam Dube and Ishan Kishan, along with superb fielding by Axar Patel, who took crucial catches. Heartfelt congratulations to Team India on this remarkable performance!"

Former cricketer Suresh Raina shared, "What a spectacular way to conclude the night! This exemplifies big match temperament—fearless cricket, a strong mindset, and exceptional teamwork from Team India. Major kudos to Sanju Samson and Jacob Bethell for their competitive spirit tonight. Such games make the big moments even more special. Proud of the boys; just one step away now!"

Ex-India all-rounder Kedar Jadhav tweeted, "Into the FINAL! A remarkable exhibition of talent, resolve, and teamwork from Team India. The nation is rallying behind you!"

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh praised the team's death bowling and Samson's innings, stating, "How safe are runs these days? That was a thrilling #INDvsENGSemiFinal. The death-over bowling by #TeamIndia was crucial. Congrats on the massive win! Sanju Samson has once again shown he means serious business. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma also made significant contributions. Jasprit Bumrah and the rest of the bowlers delivered at the end. Keep the momentum going for the final!"

Ex-India batter Robin Uthappa noted several impactful performances during the match. "Let’s not forget Shivam Dube's contribution with the bat and in the final over—he's been consistent throughout the tournament. Special recognition goes to Axar Patel, whose fielding was pivotal today! Outstanding work! Hardik Pandya was clutch when the team needed him most. Lastly, Sanju Samson, that was your true potential! Watching you bat was like witnessing a monk summon a tornado! 🌪️ Rest up; just one more to go!"

Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan also commended the team's collective effort, stating, "Brilliant teamwork from @BCCI. Sanju Samson played a fantastic innings; Axar Patel excelled in the field, and that 18th over from Jasprit Bumrah changed the game. Great victory! #INDvENG"

His brother Irfan Pathan pointed out Bumrah's major impact, saying, "In a high-scoring game, my Man of the Match is Jasprit Bumrah. His economy of 8.25 was a game-changer."

VVS Laxman added, "A performance marked by composure, belief, and stepping up when it mattered most. Congratulations to Team India on a fantastic semifinal victory. Best wishes for the finals!"

Former wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami stressed Axar Patel's role in the field. "Axar Patel's catches were game-changing! Believe it or not. We witnessed numerous boundaries tonight, with 14 wickets falling. However, those two catches by Axar Patel altered India's fate. He is my MAN OF THE MATCH. India maintained their composure. Well done, boys!"

Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews praised the thrilling competition, stating, "What an incredible chase by @ECB_cricket! What a knock by Bethell! What a game! India found a way to win! Excited for a fantastic final!"

Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League, also commended the team, saying, "Kudos to #TeamIndia for their nail-biting victory over England. I must say, England put up an impressive chase against India's 253 runs. Both teams showcased remarkable performances, delighting cricket fans everywhere. Anticipating the finals now. Congratulations to @gautamgambhir and his boys. Brilliant!"

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan emphasized the collective efforts with bat, ball, and in the field. "What a match and what performance from the boys! Sanju Samson led the way with the bat, Shivam Dube provided excellent support, and the disciplined bowling effort spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, along with Hardik Pandya's crucial penultimate over, made a significant difference. Special mention to Axar Patel for those two remarkable catches. Back-to-back T20 World Cup finals—just one more to go!"

Former women's captain Anjum Chopra encapsulated the dramatic encounter: "Belief and relief! After posting 253 runs, India wins by 7 runs. What a run fest … again at Wankhede Stadium!"

India's exhilarating win has secured their place in the final, with this high-scoring spectacle receiving widespread acclaim from the cricketing world.