Sanju Samson has now become India’s leading T20I wicketkeeper in terms of sixes, surpassing MS Dhoni’s record. Samson has hit 55 sixes in 48 innings, overtaking Dhoni’s 52 in 85 innings. Rishabh Pant sits third with 44 sixes in 66 innings, while Ishan Kishan has 36 in 32 innings. Before the Asia Cup, Samson had been opening alongside Abhishek Sharma and had scored three centuries in that position. This tournament, however, he has been playing in the middle order due to Shubman Gill’s return to the team. In India’s last game against Bangladesh, Samson was slotted at number eight and did not get a chance to bat. Samson has continued to demonstrate his destructive power in the middle overs. During Friday’s thrilling Super Over victory against Sri Lanka, he contributed a vital 39 runs at No. 5. His strokeplay included breathtaking sixes, including a towering hit over the sight-screen off Hasaranga’s bowling and a crisp maximum over cow corner against Dasun Shanaka. These shots helped India post 202 for 5 in 20 overs, a total that nearly left the defending champions on the brink of defeat.
With this record, Samson has established himself not only as a dependable batter but also as one of India’s most explosive wicketkeepers in T20 cricket. His ability to clear the ropes consistently and his adaptability in different batting positions make him a key asset as India prepares for the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday.
