Cricket

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor accorded a grand welcome to Indian cricket star Sanju Samson upon his return to Kerala after his explosive maiden T20I century against Bangladesh.Samson's scintillating knock of 111 off just 47 balls powered India to a record total of 297/6, their highest-ever score in T20I history by a full-member ICC nation. His innings, featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, also earned him the distinction of hitting the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 40 balls.This extraordinary performance helped India complete a 3-0 clean sweep of the series with a commanding 133-run victory in the final game on Saturday.Reflecting on his breakthrough performance, Samson expressed a mixture of relief and determination. "(I am) very happy that they (teammates) are happy I did well. It can get frustrating knowing what you can do out there, and I have also felt I can do much better,” he admitted during the post-match presentation.The Kerala-born cricketer also acknowledged the challenges of inconsistent form but emphasized the importance of staying focused. "Playing for your country, that pressure was there, but I wanted to perform and wanted to show. But I still kept it basic and wanted to take it by one ball (at a time),” Samson shared.Samson credited the team leadership for standing by him through ups and downs. “The leadership tells me they back me no matter what... not just in words but in actions also. Last series, I got two ducks and went back to Kerala thinking what will happen, but I'm here,” he said, grateful for the faith shown in him.Tharoor, in his social media post, celebrated Samson's homecoming and honored him with a "ponnada," a blue ceremonial shawl, in recognition of his achievements.Samson's maiden T20I century has not only cemented his place in the Indian team but has also inspired aspiring cricketers across the country. His journey from a small town in Kerala to the international stage is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities.

Sanju Samson's blistering century in the third T20I against Bangladesh has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history. The wicketkeeper-batter unleashed a devastating assault on the Bangladeshi bowlers, smashing 111 runs off just 47 deliveries in Hyderabad on Saturday.Samson's whirlwind knock propelled India to a mammoth total of 297/6 in 20 overs, setting the stage for a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep. His century came in a mere 40 balls, making him the second-fastest Indian centurion in T20Is after Rohit Sharma (35 balls).Apart from his record-breaking century, Samson also registered the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian batter against Bangladesh. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls, surpassing Rohit's previous mark of 23 balls.Samson's historic ton also made him the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a T20I century. It was his maiden T20I century and could prove pivotal in solidifying his position as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the shortest format.In 33 T20Is and 29 innings, Samson has amassed 594 runs at an average of 22.84, including a century and two fifties. His impressive performance in Hyderabad has further underlined his potential as a match-winner for India."The dressing room energy and the boys really have lots of happiness for me. I am very happy. They are happy that I did well. It can get frustrating knowing what you can do out there and the way I have been batting, I thought that could have done much better. Those thoughts keep coming in your head. With lot of experience and so many games I have played, I know how to deal with the pressure and failures," said Samson during the post-match presentation."I have failed a lot, so I know how to manage my mind accordingly. I keep telling myself I just need focus on the process, keep doing my training, keep believing in myself and one day it'll come soon. Playing for the country, you come in with a lot of pressure. That pressure was there, I wanted to perform and I wanted to show what I am capable of," he added.Samson's century has not only earned him individual accolades but has also boosted India's confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. His ability to play aggressively and score runs at a rapid pace will be a valuable asset for the team as they aim to lift the coveted trophy.

Sanju Samson's maiden T20I century against Bangladesh on Saturday was a testament to his determination and the faith placed in him by the Indian team management. Despite facing criticism and inconsistent performances in the past, Samson seized the opportunity to prove his worth.Samson's aggressive mindset was evident throughout his innings. He began with a flurry of boundaries and then unleashed a barrage of sixes, including five consecutive sixes off Rishad Hossain. His 47-ball 111 was instrumental in India's massive total of 297/6.The Indian management's decision to inform Samson of his role as an opener three weeks prior to the series gave him ample time to prepare. He utilized this opportunity to hone his skills and gain confidence.Samson's success is a reminder that failure is an inevitable part of the game. However, it is the ability to learn from mistakes and maintain a positive mindset that ultimately leads to success. Samson's experience in the IPL and international cricket has taught him to cope with pressure and setbacks.Bangladesh's batter, Towhid Hridoy, acknowledged that his team was outplayed in all departments. He praised Samson's performance, stating that he was "unplayable" on the day.Samson's century has reignited hopes that he can become a consistent performer for India. His aggressive approach and ability to handle pressure make him a valuable asset to the team. As he continues to gain experience and confidence, Samson has the potential to become one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world.

Sanju Samson's maiden T20I century, the second-fastest by an Indian, propelled India to a series-clinching victory over Bangladesh in the third and final T20I on Saturday. Samson's blistering knock, which came off just 49 deliveries, showcased his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Despite the pressure of chasing a challenging target, Samson remained unfazed. He played with a fearless approach, unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes. Even when approaching the century mark, he refused to slow down, opting instead to maintain his aggressive intent.In a post-match interview with India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Samson expressed his joy and gratitude for the milestone. He acknowledged the challenges of reaching the triple-digit figure but emphasized his belief in his abilities."I just kept on doing my work, kept on believing in myself, and happy that you were there with me to celebrate that hundred," Samson said to Suryakumar, who was at the non-striker's end during his historic innings.Yadav praised Samson's performance, calling it "one of the best hundreds I have ever seen." He also inquired about Samson's decision-making process while batting in the 90s.Samson explained that the team's positive atmosphere and the encouragement from Yadav and head coach Rahul Dravid gave him the confidence to continue attacking. He revealed that Yadav had advised him to take it easy when he was on 96, but he chose to remain aggressive."The message is, go be aggressive and humble. These are the two words that our captain and coach keep reminding us. So, I think that suits my nature, my character, so I just kept on going for it," Samson said.Samson's century not only secured India's series victory but also underlined his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His ability to combine power with finesse makes him a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.

India's Fearless Approach Powers T20I DominanceIn the realm of international cricket, the Indian team has emerged as a formidable force, driven by a fearless and attacking approach. This philosophy has propelled them to the pinnacle of the ICC Men's T20I rankings and the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup title.The recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh showcased the unwavering commitment to this aggressive style. India dominated the visitors from start to finish, securing a seventh consecutive bilateral T20I home series win.At the heart of this success lies the belief that individual failure is an acceptable risk in pursuit of team victory. This mindset was exemplified by Sanju Samson's explosive knock in the final outing. Despite two previous failures, Samson embraced the challenge and delivered a magnificent 47-ball 111.Samson's performance is a testament to the unwavering support he has received from the leadership group. After a pair of ducks in the preceding T20I series against Sri Lanka, Samson's confidence could have been shaken. However, the captain and coach stood firmly behind him, providing the necessary encouragement to bounce back.The early communication from the management also played a crucial role in Samson's preparation. Three weeks prior to the series, he received a message confirming his role as opener. This advance notice allowed him to tailor his training and gain an extra edge.Samson's success is a reflection of the team's ethos. He is a highly skilled talent who remains true to his strengths, embodying the best of modern Indian cricketers. "I like to go out and fail or succeed on my own terms," Samson said. "This is what I have stuck to ever since I started playing cricket."The Indian team's fearless approach is not without its risks. However, the rewards have been undeniable. By embracing a mindset that prioritizes attacking play, they have established themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the world.

Mayank Yadav's blistering start in the third T20I against Bangladesh has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The 22-year-old paceman became only the fourth bowler to claim a wicket on the first ball of a T20I innings, joining an elite group that includes Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Yadav's thunderbolt delivery caught Parvez Hossain Emon off guard, forcing him to play an awkward shot that was comfortably caught by Parag at first slip. The wicket set the tone for India's dominant performance, as they restricted Bangladesh to 164/7 in 20 overs after posting a mammoth 297/6.India's batting onslaught was led by Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a T20I century. Samson's blistering knock of 111 runs off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes, propelled India to their second-highest T20I score.Samson's century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional form at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In eight innings at the venue, he has amassed 398 runs at an average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 162.44, with a century and two fifties.The match also witnessed the second-fastest T20I century by a full-member team player. Samson's 47-ball ton is only behind the 35-ball centuries scored by South Africa's David Miller and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.Yadav's wicket and Samson's century were just two of the many highlights in a high-scoring affair that showcased the depth and talent of Indian cricket. The victory not only sealed the series for India but also provided a glimpse into the future of the team, with young players like Yadav and Samson stepping up to the plate.

Sanju Samson's blistering century in the third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday marked a significant milestone in his career. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman smashed eight sixes and 11 fours in his whirlwind 111 runs off just 47 balls, becoming the second-fastest Indian to reach a T20I century.Samson's explosive innings propelled India to a mammoth total of 297/6, their highest-ever in T20I cricket and the second-highest overall. The 28-year-old's performance was a testament to his exceptional talent and the confidence he has gained in recent times.Reflecting on his achievement, Samson expressed his desire to continue improving. "I can do much better," he admitted, indicating his unwavering determination to reach even greater heights.Samson's teammates were overjoyed with his performance, and the team leadership has expressed their unwavering support for him. "The leadership tells me they back me no matter what... not just in words but in actions also," he said.Samson's century was a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He has faced setbacks in the past, but he has learned to deal with pressure and adversity. "Playing for your country, that pressure was there, but I wanted to perform and wanted to show," he said.Samson's success is a reminder of the immense talent that exists in Indian cricket. With his exceptional skills and the support of his team, he is poised to become a key player for India in the years to come.

India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has emphasized the importance of fostering a selfless team environment after his side's record-breaking 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh in Hyderabad. This marks the second consecutive series sweep for Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir since taking charge of the team.Sanju Samson epitomized India's fearless and selfless approach with a blistering 92 off 35 balls, including a remarkable sequence of six consecutive sixes in the tenth over. He then reached his century off just 40 balls, the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Samson's blitz propelled India to a formidable total of 297 for 6, the second-highest in men's T20Is."We have achieved a lot as a team," Suryakumar said. "We want to be a selfless team, where everyone is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Sanju's performance is a testament to that."With several Test players rested ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand, India experimented with their lineup, fielding a team packed with allrounders. Suryakumar utilized seven bowling options in the second and third T20Is, showcasing the team's flexibility."We have to be very flexible when it comes to batting and bowling," Suryakumar said. "Everyone has to contribute, and our batters have shown great adaptability."India's next T20I assignment is a four-match series in South Africa from November 8 to 15, which will overlap with the Test team's preparations for their tour of Australia.

India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, opted to bat first in the decisive third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday. Despite the early dismissal of opener Abhishek Sharma for just 4 runs, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar provided India with a blistering start. Both batsmen maintained strike rates above 200, forging an explosive 173-run partnership.Samson showcased his exceptional power-hitting, smashing five consecutive sixes off R Hossain in the 12th over. He reached his century in record time, becoming the second-fastest Indian to achieve the feat in T20Is. Samson's innings of 111 runs off just 47 balls was a testament to his aggressive batting style.India had already secured the three-match series with a 2-0 lead, having won the first T20I by 7 wickets and the second by a dominant 86-run margin. After winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his desire to bat first, citing the favorable batting conditions. He also emphasized the importance of continuing with the team's positive approach.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bowl first, stating that the toss was inconsequential. He made two changes to his team, bringing in Tamim Iqbal and Mahedi Hasan. Shanto acknowledged the need for his batters to take responsibility and execute their plans effectively.For the final match, India rested Arshdeep Singh and included spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI. India aimed to complete a series sweep against Bangladesh.