When it comes to India’s greatest knocks in the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli’s magical innings of 82 not out against Pakistan at the MCG in 2022 is considered to be the best. Many who had the chance to witness it live felt that it may not be surpassed. Then Sanju Samson stepped up to the plate for India in their must-win clash against the West Indies with an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls. And Kris Srikkanth believes that the knock was on par with Kohli’s heroics in Melbourne.
India vs West Indies: Scorecard | Highlights
Samson, who has endured a rough time in the Indian team over the last few months, came to the fore with a composed knock that was enough to help his side get over the line and secure a spot in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth was in awe of the knock, calling it one of the best chases that he has ever seen in the format.
“Sanju — one of the greatest chases I’ve ever seen. I’m telling you. When Virat Kohli played that knock against Pakistan in Melbourne, I was there at the ground. This felt like that level. I kept saying, ‘God is designing everything for you.’ Look at the last two matches — 20 off 7 balls, big moments — everything felt like it was building up for him. It really felt like God was behind him,” said Srikkanth.
WHAT MADE SANJU’S KNOCK SO SPECIAL?
Srikkanth said that it seemed like Samson had an extra second to play shots on Sunday as there were no false shots from the Indian opener.
“Sanju had that extra second to play his shots. Not one careless shot. Not once did he look like getting out. Back-foot straight drives past the fast bowlers, tennis-style punches off the back foot — what shots! Different level batting. Complete innings,” said Srikkanth.
While the former India selector was critical of the West Indies bowling, he claimed that batting from Samson was unlike anything he had seen in his life, just due to the variety of shots that he played.
“He had so much time to play his shots. That’s what stood out. Against fast bowlers, playing straight off the back foot. Front foot, back foot — it didn’t matter. Even in the previous match, he hit a six off the back foot. That shot is masterful. Brilliant.”
“I don’t know how he plays those shots. What batting, Chetta! Outstanding batting. I have never seen batting like this. Incredible,” said Srikkanth.
With his knock in Kolkata, Samson broke Kohli’s record for the highest score in a successful run-chase for India in the T20 World Cup.
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