India cricket team batter Sanju Samson stood up and delivered when the team needed him the most in the IND vs ZIM 5th T20I. The Kerala batter took matters into his own hands after India lost both openers Gill & Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma early in the innings. Despite getting off to a slow start, Samson managed to accelerate right in time and played a match-saving 58-run knock.
Sanju Samson turns on the heat in Harare
One would not have imagined Sanju Samson to play the way he did, given the unplayable first delivery he faced. Yet, the batter stood his ground firmly and played a crucial role in stitching a partnership with Riyan Parag as the duo steadied the ship for India.
Samson’s 58-run knock off 45 deliveries was studded with four sixes and one boundary, including a monstrous 110m maximum that saw the ball fly out of the park in Harare.
Samson an apt replacement for Virat Kohli?
With Virat Kohli retired from the shortest format of the game, Samson might see luck going his way in the coming days. With this knock, the Kerala star throws his hat into the ring to fill in the shoes of the veteran. Samson’s slow-paced yet powerful knock is a stellar reminder of the job Virat Kohli did for the side.
While there are many contenders for the spot, Samson is likely to be the next successor, given his experience and ability to strike the ball at will.