'He showed how well he can play' - Rohit Sharma hails Sanju Samson's performance against Sri Lanka

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has hailed Sanju Samson‘s performance in the second T20I played against Sri Lanka on February 26. Chasing 184 in their allotted 20 overs, men in blue lost both their openers in form of skipper Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan inside the powerplay. However, a partnership between Samson and Shreyas Iyer ensured that India bounced back after the early setbacks.

Both Samson and Iyer were involved in a 84-run stand in just 47 balls. While India’s new No. 3 stole the show with his 44-ball 74, Samson showed his class and played a quickfire innings of 39 runs off just 25 balls. The 27-year old batter took the liking of pacer Lahiru Kumara as he hammered him for three huge sixes in 13th over of the match, swinging the pendulum in India’s favor.

After Samson’s dismissal, Indian allrounder Ravindra Jadeja took the charge and made sure that the home side do not stutter in their chase. The left-handed batsman scored a swashbuckling 18-ball 45 not out to take India past the finish line in just 17.1 overs.

We are ready to back guys with talent: Rohit Sharma

Speaking in post match presentation, skipper Rohit Sharma said, “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,” he added.

Men in blue took an unbeatable 2-0 lead after beating Sri Lanka by seven wickets on February 26. The home side will take on visitors in the final T20I on Sunday at the same venue of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.