Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded Sanju Samson for the adjustments he makes to his game following his match-winning knock in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday, October 22. Chasing a massive 226, Samson scored his 11th half-century in the format. He top-scored with 67 off 33 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes,
as India registered their highest successful chase in T20Is, winning by four wickets with two balls in hand.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel (Irfan Pathan), Pathan said: “He batted outstandingly (Sanju Samson). The way he started his innings was excellent. There is always pressure on him, but he absorbs that pressure really well. The way his bat closes makes you feel that he might get out to an outswinger. But the adjustments he makes are impressive. He knows he needs to play well on the leg side and straight down the ground. When he gets width, he looks to play down the ground. At times, his bat closes, which is why he gets out by outswingers.”

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“However, the adjustments he makes also teach you something. If you feel that a bowler can target a particular weakness in your technique but you continue to play in your scoring areas, it becomes much easier for you to score runs. At this stage of his career, Sanju Samson has learned to make those adjustments really well,” he further added.

However, Irfan Pathan also opened up about Abhishek Sharma, who scored 29 off 12 balls, including two fours and three sixes. While applauding his big hitting against short balls, Pathan added that he looked a little scratchy when deliveries pitched on the stump line moved away from him as well.

“The big shots Abhishek Sharma played against the short ball were a major positive. However, we also need to remember that he looked a little scratchy at times against balls outside the off stump when they moved away from the stump line, particularly when they were outside his eyeline. He was struggling in those situations, so that is something he will need to work on going forward,” he concluded.