Photo via Hindustan Times

Sanju Samson and his recurring riposte to critics: How a 41-ball 82 vs West Indies added to years of dramatic rebounds under selection pressure

Sanju Samson scored 82 runs off 41 balls in the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, but West Indies won the second T20I against India by six wickets, reaching the target of 250 in 18.3 overs. Samson’s innings featured six fours and three sixes, and he brought up his 50 off 21 deliveries, matching Virat Kohli’s record for the joint-fastest fifty by an Indian against the Caribbean side in the format.

Sanju Samson added 42 runs for the opening wicket with Abhishek Sharma, and India scored 79/1 in the powerplay.

West Indies captain Shai Hope opted to bowl first. In reply, West Indies chased down a 250-run target, propelled by an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls from Hope.

Sherfane Rutherford scored 84 off 37 deliveries, and the duo added 120 runs off 54 balls, providing the spark that Hope highlighted after the match. Romario Shepherd scored an unbeaten 34 off 13 balls to finish the chase.

The match drew criticism of Samson from former players. During live commentary, Sanjay Manjrekar said: “Sanju Samson doesn’t help his own cause; he’s pretty inconsistent.” On his YouTube channel, Krishnamachari Srikkanth said: “Sanju is under pressure.

He is looking desperate.” Shai Hope, reflecting on the win, said: “Thing about cricket, I really believe that we need to bat a lot better in partnerships. It's something that we tend to lack every now and again,” and added: “As long as we kept going at the rate to keep up with the game, then I didn't need to take any unnecessary risks.” He also praised Rutherford, stating: “Then obviously Sherfane came and did what he did, playing really well with the bat now and just gave us that spark that we needed to get over the line today.”

This report also draws on coverage from The Times of India, ESPN Cricinfo, CricTracker, India Today.

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