Before the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma had stated that India will need Sanju Samson’s shot-making ability in the 2022 T20 World Cup, later in the year.

Sanju didn’t get the chance to bat in the first T20I against the Island nation but he was able to do a decent job in the second game at Dharamshala.

Samson joined forces with Shreyas Iyer after India lost two early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. The flamboyant right-hander struggled to get going in the initial stage of his knock but he was able to change gears. In fact, at one stage Samson was batting on 17 runs from 19 balls.

However, he took the attack against Lahiru Kumara and smashed him for three sixes and a four before he was caught brilliantly by Binura Fernando. Samson scored 39 runs off 25 balls with the help of two fours and three sixes. He added 84 runs with Shreyas Iyer and played a key role in the run-chase of 184 runs against Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation, “We have a lot of talent in that batting unit, we will keep giving them the chances, it’s up to them to make the most of it. I thought Sanju showed how well he could play with that knock, it’s all about taking your opportunities. Lot of these guys are quite talented. They just need an opportunity to go out there and express themselves. There are a lot of guys waiting in the wings as well but their time will come as well. We’ve got to look after the guys who have been in and around the team for a while. We understand all these guys possess a lot of talent. So it’s just about giving the opportunity and the backing from our side”.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson was also delighted to contribute to the team’s win. Samson definitely has the skills to deliver the goods and he played a decent knock.

Samson said after the game, “The conversation in the team meeting is set to our standards and irrespective of what the opposition is going to do. We are definitely setting a great standard for Indian cricket. Lucknow was different. It’s a very small ground here, a different wicket. We are getting used to the conditions and doing whatever is needed. A really special day for me. I made my debut seven years ago and finally contributing positively to the team’s success means a lot to me playing for the country”.

Samson will look to grab his chances, which he hasn’t done in the past. The third T20I will be played on Sunday.