Sanju Samson produced a match-winning performance in India’s second T20I against Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 15, 2026. The opening batter struck 57 runs from just 22 deliveries, hitting seven fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 259.09. India successfully chased down 160 with 31 balls to spare, securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Legendary former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Samson’s approach and consistency after the innings. Gavaskar highlighted how Samson’s method of building his innings before accelerating proved effective in the chase. The former batter noted that opening batsmen in T20 cricket receive the most strike and therefore the most opportunities to accumulate runs.
“It’s sometimes the consistency that you want and because the openers get most of the strike in a 20-over game, they have the most opportunities to score. Sometimes, like today, he played himself in and he started hammering the balls only later. If he keeps on doing that, I don’t think he’ll ever fail. He’ll keep on getting 50s and 60s every time,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Gavaskar on Samson’s consistency and approach
Gavaskar also acknowledged the tactical challenges Samson faces when batting conditions demand aggressive intent from the opening ball. The former India batter recognised that Samson’s natural talent remains undeniable despite the varying demands of T20 cricket. However, Gavaskar emphasised that Samson’s ability to adapt his approach based on match situations sets him apart as a player.
“It’s only when he looks to try and go bang-bang from the first ball, and then you have to do that if you’re chasing 190 or 200, then there is no option of doing that. But he’s a terrific player,” Gavaskar said.
Samson’s fifty came after a contrasting performance in the opening T20I of the series, where he was dismissed for 10 runs. His comeback into the squad followed his rest during the Zimbabwe tour, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Series in the T20I series. The fifty against Afghanistan demonstrated Samson’s ability to bounce back and deliver under pressure in international cricket.
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