Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson (Pic credit: BCCI)
Samson brought up his half-century in just 21 balls, equalling Kohli’s effort at the Wankhede Stadium in 2019. The wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive start also powered India to their highest powerplay score against West Indies in T20Is – 79/1, surpassing the previous mark of 72 without loss, recorded at Wankhede in 2019. After managing only 11 in the series opener in Lucknow, Samson made an emphatic statement at the JSCA International Stadium, taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers and giving India a flying start after captain Shreyas Iyer was asked to bat first.
Samson’s response was particularly significant after his modest return in Lucknow, where India had won the opening match by eight wickets. India captain Iyer confirmed an unchanged playing XI and said his side would adapt to the conditions while maintaining its standards throughout the match. The right-hander looked determined to make an impact early and ensure the hosts maintained their momentum in the five-match series. The explosive start came after West Indies captain Shai Hope opted to bowl first, expecting the wet conditions to worsen as the evening progressed. Hope also made one change to his side, bringing in Gudakesh Motie in place of Forde.
NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson answered his disappointing outing in the series opener with a blistering half-century in the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, matching Virat Kohli ’s record for the joint-fastest fifty by an Indian against the Caribbean side in the format.
We have talked about maintaining standards for 40 overs.
We are going with the same team,” Iyer said at the toss. “We were looking to bowl first as well, will have to adapt quickly. We want to challenge ourselves to get better.