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Sanju Samson was the obvious differentiator, his poise and purpose propelling the Indian ship. But Sunday at Eden Gardens wasn’t only about the 31-year-old, even if it understandably seems so.
India did so much right in their virtual quarter-final against the free-spirited West Indies, who were also in the race for the final semi-final slot at the T20 World Cup. Once Suryakumar Yadav hit it lucky at the toss — the Indian captain’s poor record met its match in his West Indian counterpart Shai Hope, who won only one out of seven at the World Cup — India stuck to their guns, refusing to be intimidated by the heavy artillery percolating through the Caribbean ranks.
The ploy to place their faith in only five bowling options could have backfired had even one of them had an off-day. Fortunately for the think-tank, no one went the distance which meant they could use Jasprit Bumrah the way they wanted to.
Bumrah bowled three of the last ten overs and even though 195 for four was a competitive total, it was still manageable. The big blip, however, was another lethargic fielding display; three catches dropped, a run out missed and misfields galore made for an unedifying spectacle which could be punished ruthlessly by a less forgiving side like England in Thursday’s semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium.
India bat till No. 8 and sometimes, the tendency might be to leave it to the others might creep in subconsciously. But Samson was taking no chances, playing the innings of a lifetime, a knock that was flawless in planning and impeccable in execution. He was both the glue and the guiding light, scoring at nearly two runs a ball without taking undue risks and not going into his shell even when a wicket fell.
All the accolades were reserved, rightly, for Samson as India set up a semi-final with England for the third T20 World Cup in a row. GR Vishwanath made an unbeaten 97 on a spicy Chepauk deck against Andy Robert’s and Co in 1974, a knock still remembered with awe and reverence. Samson’s 97 not out may not attract the same emotions, but its value is no less than what the wristy magician conjured.
194
Sanju Samson’s strike-rate vs WI
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