Sanju Samson delivered a timely reminder of his quality with a sensational batting display in India’s second T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 57 runs from just 22 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 259.09. Samson’s fireworks helped India chase down Afghanistan’s 160 with ease, reaching the target in only 14.5 overs to register a seven-wicket victory. The result also gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The innings was particularly significant for Samson after a difficult period with the bat. He scored only 10 runs in the opening T20I against Afghanistan, while his performances against Ireland and England earlier this year yielded just 33 runs across four innings. His inconsistent run-scoring had also led to questions over his place in India’s playing XI, particularly with teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as another opening option.

However, Samson responded emphatically in Delhi. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma believes the Kerala batter has often been judged too quickly and suggested his explosive innings could ease the debate surrounding his position.

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“Sanju batted brilliantly. I often feel that we are a little hasty in judging him. The way he batted has probably put an end to the debate,” Mohit Sharma said on Cricbuzz.

Former India batter Mohammed Kaif also acknowledged Samson’s exceptional ability but identified consistency as the major area where the wicketkeeper-batter needs to improve. Kaif pointed out that Samson possesses outstanding skills against spin and has repeatedly shown his ability to attack high-quality bowlers.

“Everyone knows the kind of potential and skill Samson has, and there is no better player against spin than him.” Mohammad Kaif explained that Samson’s ability has never really been the concern. Instead, it has been his difficulty in producing substantial scores consistently after a big innings.

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“I think his problem is scoring consistently. If he does that, no harm will ever come to him. No one will ever raise a question again.”
Kaif also suggested that Samson’s experience and proven ability could keep Sooryavanshi waiting for another opportunity, despite the teenager’s impressive potential.

For Samson, the 57-run knock could provide valuable momentum. More importantly, it showed that when he finds his rhythm, he remains capable of changing the course of a T20I within a matter of overs.