Suryakumar Yadav was - and understandably so- one of the happiest persons around perhaps in all of Kolkata a few hours ago when at the conclusion of the much exciting and highly sensational India versus West Indies game, the chase masters- India- completed their fine win and thus, knocked the dangerous West Indies team out of the ongoing T20 World Cup campaign. And truth be told, Suryakumar Yadav’s happiness knew no bounds also because he could see himself the pivotal role played by Sanju Samson of the Indian team courtesy an excellent (and perhaps even timely) unbeaten 97 to take the team over the finishing rope.
The visibly delighted and ever smiling Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t contain his excitement for his in-form batter up the order- Sanju Samson, whose methodical and clinical 97 was a classy inning that combined artistic strokes and a fine sense of timing.
The following is what the belligerent right handed batter and Indian captain noted of Sanju Samson-
“I always say, good things happen to good people and at the right time. No better time, no better stage for someone like him (Sanju Samson) to step up and give the team what the team required. The moment he came into the side, he sat among the group and said, let’s do something that the team wants- not what you want.”
Surya would add further, “I think that comes with experience and over his life, he’s seen so many ups and downs!”
There was a lot of praise that was showered by Sanju Samson’s captain on to him that the moment in the aftermath of the game became a wonderful one. One of victory and joy.
Frankly, this was perhaps Sanju Samson batting at his finest; the kind of shots he played at either side of the wicket and with rich aplomb. He looked absolutely comfortable against revered Windies all rounder Jason Holder and not once did he shudder with anything confusing or untoward where it came to his shot selection against the likes of Akeal Hosein or Gudakesh Motie.
