Sanju Samson played a key role with the bat in India’s series-clinching 200-run victory over West Indies in the third and final ODI at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad on Tuesday (August 1).
Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue got off to a brilliant start as the duo of Shubman Gill (85) and Ishan Kishan (77) added 143 runs for the opening wicket.
Once the partnership was broken, Ruturaj Gaikwad came out to bat at No. 3 and was dismissed for just 8. Thereafter, Samson arrived in the middle and took on the Caribbean bowlers.
Samson scored 51 off 41 balls (2 fours and 4 sixes) and stitched a crucial 69-run stand with Gill to put the visitors in a commanding position. In the death overs, stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya wreaked havoc on the hosts and smashed 70* off 52 balls to propel India to a mammoth 351/5 in 50 overs.
Speaking to the broadcaster during the innings break, Samson said: "It's an incredible feeling to spend quality time on the pitch, score runs and contribute to my country. I had specific strategies for different bowlers, aiming to utilize my footwork and assert dominance according to their lengths."
In the third ODI, Samson batted at No. 4 while he was sent at No. 3 in the second game. In the past, he has opened the innings for India as well.
Addressing the topic of batting at different positions, Samson said his experience in domestic cricket has equipped him to excel with the bat at any number.
"Being an Indian cricketer is a challenging thing (speaking about adjusting to playing in different batting positions). I have played domestic cricket for the last 8-9 years and for India here and there, so it gives you a bit of understanding of playing in different positions," Samson stated.
"It is the number of overs you get and it is not about batting position, so you gotta prepare accordingly. That (Kensington Oval pitch) was a bit damp, but this (one at the Brian Lara Stadium) looked a bit dry. With the new ball, it was coming on nicely, but as the ball got old, it was holding up and (it) became slightly tough (to bat) against the spinners.
"It was not easy to get that score (351/5). Credit goes to the middle-order batters for hanging in and getting that score," he remarked.
Later on, Shardul Thakur (4-37), Mukesh Kumar (3-30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2-25) bowled terrific spells to help India bundle out West Indies for a paltry 151 in 35.3 overs.
