Overview:
While he criticised the West Indies' bowling, he couldn’t help but admire Samson’s batting, especially the variety and range of shots.
When it comes to India’s finest T20 World Cup performances, Virat Kohli‘s iconic 82* against Pakistan at the MCG in 2022 is often regarded as the best. Many believed that no other knock could come close to matching that. Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls in a crucial match against the West Indies. Kris Srikkanth compared Samson’s effort to Kohli’s memorable knock in Melbourne.
Samson, who hasn’t played regularly for the Indian National Cricket Team, delivered a composed and match-winning performance, helping India book their place in the T20 World Cup semifinals. On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth heaped massive praise on Samson, calling it one of the best chases he’s ever seen in T20 cricket.
“It was one of the best chases I’ve ever witnessed. I’m telling you. I was at the ground when Virat Kohli played that incredible knock against Pakistan in Melbourne. This felt just like that. I kept thinking, ‘It’s like God is guiding everything for you.’ Look at the last two matches, 20 off 7 balls, big moments, it all seemed to be leading up to this. It really felt like God was supporting him,” said Srikkanth.
Srikkanth noted that it seemed like Samson had more time to play his shots, with no reckless strokes throughout his innings.
“Sanju had that extra fraction of a second to play his shots. Not one careless stroke. At no point did he seem like getting out. Back-foot straight drives past the fast bowlers, tennis-style punches off the back foot, what incredible shots! Batting on a different level. A flawless innings,” he added.
While he criticised the West Indies’ bowling, he couldn’t help but admire Samson’s batting, especially the variety and range of shots.
“He had so much time to execute his shots. In the previous match, he even managed to hit a six off the back foot. That shot was a masterpiece.
“I don’t know how he plays those shots. What a display of batting, Chetta! Exceptional batting. I’ve never seen anything like this. Incredible,” he concluded.