Sanju Samson's Kolkata blitz on par with Kohli's MCG knock vs PAK: Srikkanth
India Today
T20 World Cup: Kris Srikkanth has claimed that Sanju Samson's innings in Kolkata is on par with the knock played by Virat Kohli at the MCG in the T20 World Cup 2022 against Pakistan. Samson's 97 helped India reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.
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.
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.
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