Gavaskar backs Sanju Samson's measured approach after Delhi T20I

On 15 September 2026 in Delhi, Sanju Samson struck 57 off 22 in the second T20I against Afghanistan. Sunil Gavaskar said he was pleased to see Samson play conservatively at the start before accelerating.

After failing in the first match of the series, the Indian wicketkeeper began his chase cautiously and was 8 off 12 at one point. Once he found confidence he took apart Afghanistan's bowling. He raced to his fifty in just 20 balls.

Samson finished on 57 off 22 at a strike rate of 259.09. Abhishek Sharma scored 39 off 19 in the same match.

Speaking to the broadcasters, Gavaskar said that all Samson needs is consistency when it comes to his batting and added: "It's sometimes the consistency that you want and because the openers get most of the strike in a 20-over game, they have the most opportunities to score. Sometimes, like today, he played himself in and he started hammering the balls only later. If he keeps on doing that, I don't think he'll ever fail. He'll keep on getting 50s and 60s every time," said Gavaskar.

Gavaskar also commented on Samson's tendency when attempting to hit from the outset and said: "It's only when he looks to try and go bang-bang from the first ball, and then you have to do that if you're chasing 190 or 200, then there is no option of doing that. But he's a terrific player," said Gavaskar.

India secured a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan. Samson's knock helped India win the series.