India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson produced an explosive batting display in the second T20I against the West Indies at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. Opening the innings, Samson reached his half-century in just 21 deliveries, equalling Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian batter against the West Indies.
Kohli had achieved the same milestone during India’s T20I clash against the Caribbean side in Mumbai on December 11, 2019. Samson’s quickfire knock has now placed him alongside the former India captain in the record books.
The right-handed batter bounced back strongly after failing to make a significant contribution in the first T20I on October 6. He reached his half-century with an aggressive combination of six boundaries and three sixes, putting the West Indies bowling attack under pressure early in the innings.
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Samson also helped India get off to a flying start alongside fellow opener Abhishek Sharma. The pair added 42 runs for the first wicket in just four overs, helping India reach 79 runs for the loss of one wicket by the end of the powerplay.
Muscular and Intentful 💪
Sanju Samson made full use of the Powerplay ✅
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— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2026
While Samson equalled Kohli’s Indian record, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock continues to hold the overall record for the fastest T20I half-century against the West Indies. He reached the milestone in just 15 balls in Centurion on March 26, 2023.
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Australia’s Tim David follows with a 16-ball fifty against the Caribbean team in Basseterre on July 25, 2025. Meanwhile, Australia’s David Warner and New Zealand’s Colin Munro have both recorded 18-ball half-centuries against the West Indies in T20I cricket.
Samson’s rapid fifty in Ranchi underlined his ability to deliver an aggressive start for India and provided a timely response after his quiet outing in the series opener.
