India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has praised his opening partner Abhishek Sharma for their strong batting partnership. Samson said their combination works naturally and helps the team get aggressive starts.
The two batters have opened the innings for India in several matches since 2024. Samson said their partnership is built on trust and simple communication. According to him, both players enjoy attacking the bowlers from the start.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Samson explained how their different backgrounds help create a unique bond in the middle. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper also spoke about Abhishek’s fearless approach while batting.
“We are not ice and fire, we are fire and fire. Sometimes he fires, sometimes I do. We have that kind of combination going. We have done this since 2024; we have a Kerala-Punjabi friendship in the middle. Everything comes pretty naturally to us, so we do not complicate it. He asks me, ‘How is the ball coming?’ I tell him that the ball is coming normally, and hit it for a six. It is really simple with him. Abhishek is very brave and collected. I love his character. I really love the partnership with him on and off the field,” Sanju Samson said at the India Today Conclave.
Samson reveals early jealousy over Abhishek’s popularity
Samson also shared a light-hearted moment from the team dressing room. He said some Indian players were once jealous of the attention Abhishek received from fans because of his early success.
“Earlier, the boys used to get jealous because of the cheers for Abhishek. It was Abhishek, Abhishek everywhere. We were like, do people only see him or what? But yes, he is the superstar of the team now. Get married soon, bhai,” he added.
The duo played a crucial role in India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand national cricket team. Samson and Abhishek added 98 runs for the opening wicket in the powerplay. Their explosive start helped India reach a massive total of 255.
The final was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India won the match by 96 runs and created history by winning their third T20 World Cup title.
Samson had an excellent tournament. He scored 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25. His strike rate was 199.37, and he finished as India’s leading run-scorer in the competition.
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