Sanju Samson delivered a spectacular performance in India’s second T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 15, 2026. The right-handed opener smashed 57 runs off just 22 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 259.09. Samson’s explosive innings played a crucial role in India’s successful chase of 160. The hosts reached the target with 31 balls remaining, securing a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match T20I series.

Following Samson’s impressive knock, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised the batter’s approach at the top of the order. Gavaskar pointed out that openers have the greatest opportunity to score in T20 cricket because they generally face the most deliveries during an innings.

The former India batter also highlighted Samson’s decision to initially spend some time at the crease before shifting gears and attacking the Afghanistan bowlers.

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“It’s sometimes the consistency that you want and because the openers get most of the strike in a 20-over game, they have the most opportunities to score. Sometimes, like today, he played himself in and he started hammering the balls only later. If he keeps on doing that, I don’t think he’ll ever fail. He’ll keep on getting 50s and 60s every time,” Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Gavaskar acknowledged that Samson’s role can sometimes demand a more aggressive approach, particularly when India are chasing a massive total. However, he believes the wicketkeeper-batter’s natural ability is unquestionable.

“It’s only when he looks to try and go bang-bang from the first ball, and then you have to do that if you’re chasing 190 or 200, then there is no option of doing that. But he’s a terrific player,” Sunil Gavaskar said.

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Samson’s performance was particularly significant after he scored only 10 runs in the first T20I against Afghanistan. His return to the squad came after he was rested during India’s Zimbabwe tour, where young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned Player of the Series honours. With his latest fifty, Samson has once again shown his ability to respond strongly after a disappointing outing and make an impact when India need him.