“I’ve had my share of bad luck, I think… I deserved some good luck as well,” laughed Sanju Samson after his match-winning 89 bamboozled England’s bowlers in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium. Dropped by England skipper Harry Brook in the third over, the right-hander capitalised fully on the lifeline.“Abhi chance mila hai to maarne ka… It feels really great and relieved. For years, I’ve been trying to do something like this for my country. I think one more match and I can really feel happy,” said Samson. With two superb knocks propelling India into the final, the opener prefers calm over clamour. “I don’t like noise; I like to be within myself. That’s why I’m not active on social media – the fewer people around, the easier it is to learn about yourself,” he revealed, sharing the secret behind his recent form.Not long ago, Samson had lost his India spot through poor runs, but he returned roaring: 97 not out in a knockout against West Indies, followed by 89 here. “I was just waiting with patience and inner work. Definitely, I should be grateful, but we have one more step. If we take it, everything will be worth it. The last innings helped – I was timing the ball well and making good decisions. If you’re in form, you must contribute. It’s one of the best moments of my life,” he added. While Samson dominated, counterpart Abhishek Sharma has struggled – as Samson once did. “We’re taking care of all our players. Our dressing room is a great environment. Both leaders have faith in Abhishek; we help as he needs. He’s had ups and downs but hits cleanly from the middle. A couple of sixes and everything changes in this format. We feel the final will be his day,” Samson said.The 31-year-old also backed Varun Chakravarthy, who conceded 64 in four overs. “Bowling the sixth over as a spinner in powerplay is tough – flat pitch, batsmen swinging hard. Credit to Varun for taking the challenge.”Proud, my son will watch me playing final: Axar PatelFans hailed Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah for India’s seven-run semi-final win over England, but Axar Patel’s two stunning catches stole the show at Wankhede.“It was like the ball was chasing me,” grinned Patel. An exceptional fielding by Patel overpowered the dropping of 13 catches by the defending champions. “I’m not into stats, but these were my best moments so far. Right place, right time,” he said. Sprinting back, he pouched Harry Brook over his shoulder, then sealed Will Jacks with a relay catch at the boundary alongside Shivam Dube. “The momentum differed. Brook’s was tough, but Jacks’ was crucial given the game situation.”The all-rounder relishes the final at his home Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. “I’ve waited for this. It’ll be proud playing before family – my son watching me there for the first time. As the local boy, no jinx,” he laughed. India’s deputy missed the 2023 ODI World Cup final there, lost heartbreakingly to Australia. “That’s why I skipped those two earlier tournament games – I had to play this one. Years of waiting to perform at home for family; it’s special.”