Following India’s impressive 61-run win over South Africa in Durban, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson stressed the importance of an aggressive approach in T20 cricket, saying that he always looks to capitalize on scoring opportunities. His outstanding 107-run innings off just 50 balls, featuring seven fours and 10 sixes, was instrumental in India’s success as they took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on JioCinema, Samson shared his philosophy, noting that his approach in T20Is revolves around trusting his shot-making ability and staying on the attack. “I focus on an attacking mindset, especially in this format,” he explained. “There will be highs and lows, and questions about building innings or maintaining consistency. But in T20Is, I don’t dwell on consistency. If there’s a ball to hit, I’m going to go for it.”
Samson emphasized that his style of play is also encouraged by senior figures like captain Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir, and coach VVS Laxman, who support an aggressive start to the innings. “Even if I’m in the 90s, I aim to keep the momentum going without slowing down,” he added. “It’s about staying aggressive from the first ball to the last, adjusting only if the shot isn’t on.”
In the first T20I match, South African captain Aiden Markram elected to field after winning the toss. Samson’s aggressive batting gave India a flying start, while Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma contributed with steady knocks to help the team reach a challenging total of 202/8. Gerald Coetzee led South Africa’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets for 37 runs in his four-over spell.
During the chase, South Africa’s batting lineup struggled against India’s bowling attack. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, with three wickets each, helped restrict the hosts to just 141, sealing a convincing win for India. No South African batter managed to score more than 30 runs, with Heinrich Klaasen and Coetzee being the top contributors.
Sanju Samson’s remarkable performance earned him the Player of the Match award. With India now leading the series, they will aim to continue their strong form as they face South Africa in the second T20I on Sunday in Gqeberha.
