Asia Cup 2025: 'Batted extremely well' - Former Indian cricketer hails Sanju Samson's knock against Oman

Asia Cup 2025: 'Batted extremely well' - Former Indian cricketer hails Sanju Samson's knock against Oman (Source: Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Sanju Samson's innings against Oman in Match 12 of Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Samson received the Player of the Match accolade for his 45-ball 56-run knock on Friday, September 19.

Gavaskar credited Samson for anchoring the innings when it was most needed. He also showered praise on the timing Samson exhibited while batting in the middle. 

"He batted extremely well. He needed to bat for long, and that's what he did, because he might come to bat at No. 4 or No. 5 in the next match, and his batting will be required there. When a batter scores 40-50 runs, he gets confidence as he stands at the ground for a few overs and hits some fours and sixes. His timing was excellent," shared Gavaskar while speaking on Sony Sports.

Gavaskar reflected on Samson's third six of the innings, the one which came in the 10th over, stating how elegant it was. The renowned commentator also expressed admiration for Samson's timing and shot selection. 

"He played a shot where he hit a straight six. The way he waited and hit that six, he checked his shot a little at the last second, it was enjoyable. We get to see his class from that. He has so much time to play the ball. He has so many choices as to where he should hit. Very few batters have that choice whether to hit on the off side or the leg side, and Sanju Samson is one such batter," he added.

Samson was dismissed in the 18th over of the innings as India eventually ended up on 188/8 at the end of their 20 overs. They ultimately emerged victorious by 21 runs despite a spirited fightback by Oman with the bat. 43-year-old Aamir Kaleem top-scored with 64 off 46 while Hammad Mirza scored 51 off 33. The two batted quite well but could not get the job done.