The 14th over emphasised the sense that Samson was operating on a rarefied level. First, Rachin Ravindra fractionally overpitched and was launched over long on. Then, when Ravindra overcompensated and dropped short, he was heaved over deep midwicket. Finally, Ravindra located a good length just on off stump. No matter: Samson launched another six, clearing deep extra cover with a crisp drive.

For Samson, the only frustration was that, for the third consecutive match, he fell just short of a century. This 89, from 46 balls, matched his score against England, which followed an undefeated 97 versus West Indies. Yet the very lack of centuries reflects India’s culture of selflessness: the full embrace of the reality that T20 demands a completely different batting approach to the longer formats.

“For too long in Indian cricket we’ve spoken about milestones,” Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, said. “Stop celebrating milestones, celebrate trophies.” 

Samson’s status as player of the tournament was well deserved. He was only recalled for the final three games: a chilling illustration to the rest of the world of India’s strength in depth.

If India benefited from home advantage, and a curiosity of the draw – they were guaranteed a semi-final in Mumbai regardless of where they came in their Super Eight group – their greatest fortune is simply the country’s depth of talent.

In support of Samson, Sharma and Ishan Kishan crunched half-centuries at a rate of over two runs a ball. While he scarcely needed to demonstrate his wiles when defending such a hefty total, Jasprit Bumrah then claimed four wickets with his slower balls alone.