India keeper-batter Sanju Samson stated that the Indian team worked really hard and didn’t get the Asian Games 2026 gold medal on a platter. He further stated that fielding experienced A-list players helped the team manage the pressures of a high-octane final against Pakistan.
India and Pakistan faced off in the gold medal match in the men's cricket event in Nisshin on October 3. India won the toss and elected to bat first, putting up a total score of 211/6 in 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma (61) and Tilak Varma (51*) scoring the most runs.
In reply to this, Hasan Nawaz came out to be the main man who chased for Pakistan and scored 96 runs with 7 sixes and 5 fours. However, he had no support, and Pakistan only managed 192/6 in 20 overs and lost the final by 19 runs. This was the second time India won the gold medal in men's cricket at the Asian Games.
“We had a very experienced team. That's where the experience of experienced players comes in. We knew how to manage our energy and how to keep ourselves motivated and focused even when practices were not happening, and matches were not happening. Bringing the ‘A' team really helped, and that's what happened against Pakistan in the final. I think it was a proper game for everyone,” Samson said after the match.
India had defeated Sri Lanka in a dominating performance in the semi-final, and Samson stated that the gold medal match against Pakistan was finally a good game that Men in Blue played.
“Finally, we got to play a good match. We scored 200 in the first innings and thought the second innings could be difficult for Pakistan, but the wicket was good, and they also batted well. Everyone got to see a good final. We did not get the gold on a platter. We had to really work hard for it. That makes it all the more satisfying, and we are all happy,” he said.
Samson admitted that the team was aware of the importance of the game, but he maintained that the players did not let the situation determine how they would play.
“Definitely, it's a big occasion and a big opportunity for all of us to represent our country in an Asian Games final. That is what happens before and after the game. But once the game starts, we play according to the demands of the match conditions and match situations,” he said.
Samson and the Indian T20I team will next be in action against the West Indies at home as the five-game series begins on October 6.
(PTI inputs)
