Sanju Samson played a key role in India’s series-clinching seven-wicket victory in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Dharamsala on Saturday (February 26).

Chasing 184 to win, the hosts were struggling at 44/2 when Samson arrived in the middle. He took a bit of time to get his eyes in and then took on Sri Lankan bowlers.

Samson smashed Lahiru Kumara for three sixes and one four in the 13th over before getting out for 25-ball 39. In the process, he shared a match-winning 84-run stand for the third wicket with Shreyas Iyer.

Speaking with the broadcasters, Samson said the crucial partnership with Shreyas Iyer helped him gain his rhythm.

“The partnership with Shreyas Iyer helped me take extra time to get the rhythm back. We both have played enough cricket to understand who is going well and who needs time. I wanted to go after the bowling, but the rhythm wasn’t there for the starting 10-12 balls,” Samson said.

“It has been a very long time since I played a game. I have been in the bubble and out of quarantine. So, I took a bit of extra time and after getting one boundary I felt I got the rhythm back, happy about it. It was very cold while fielding and even while sitting out. Once I was batting, I didn’t feel anything.

“Really special day for me. I made my debut seven years ago and finally contributing positively to the team’s success means a lot to me playing for the country,” he concluded.

After Samson’s dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja arrived in the middle and he blasted the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. The southpaw shared an unbroken 58-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer to take India over the line with 17 balls to spare.

While Iyer remained unbeaten on 74 off 44 balls (6 fours and 4 sixes), Jadeja finished with 45* off 18 balls (7 fours and 1 six).

The third T20I between India and Sri Lanka will also be held in Dharamsala on Sunday (February 27).