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Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned West Indies captain Shai Hope's bowling plans after Sanju Samson smashed a brilliant 82 in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday, October 9. Ashwin believes Shai Hope made a costly mistake by giving left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein three overs during the powerplay, allowing struggling Samson to attack freely.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who had struggled for runs recently, made full use of the opportunity and smashed 35 runs off just 13 balls against Hosein. He hit four consecutive boundaries in the fifth over and helped India post a massive total of 249/5.
However, Hope's unbeaten 102 off 45 balls guided the West Indies to a six-wicket victory in 18.3 overs, leveling the five-match T20I series 1-1 against India on Friday in Ranchi. Earlier, Sunil Gavaskar blames Indian bowlers after West Indies pull off historic 250-run chase in Ranchi.
Ravichandran Ashwin slams Shai Hope's tactics against Sanju Samson in Ranchi T20I
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin felt Sanju Samson was not in his best form before the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi. But Shai Hope made things easier for the Indian wicketkeeper by using Akeal Hosein against him during the powerplay.
The former Indian off-spinner compared the move to giving food to a hungry lion, as Samson was quick to punish the spinner. He felt Hope should have tried different bowling options instead of allowing Samson to settle against the same bowler.
Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel, "Samson looked scratchy because he was not in a run-scoring phase. However, Shai Hope also made a mistake today. You cannot keep using spinners from one end in an attempt to build pressure on Sanju Samson. Bowling three consecutive overs from Akeal Hosein during the powerplay was like serving a hungry lion a goat on a platter. Samson simply took advantage of the opportunity and went after Akeal Hosein.”
Ravichandran Ashwin hails Samson for his fearless approach
Ravichandran Ashwin also praised Samson for continuing to play attacking cricket despite his recent struggles. He explained that players often become careful when they are struggling for runs and their place in the team is under pressure.
However, Samson continued taking risks for the team's benefit. The cricket pandit explained, “It is not easy to maintain that attitude. It is human nature that when you are in danger and know that you might be dropped, self-preservation becomes the top priority.
Yet, he continues to take risks for the team. And it is this great attitude of his that seems to be bringing him some luck as well. A catch went straight into a fielder's hands today, but he dropped it.” Amid this, Gautam Gambhir issues warning over flat pitches, says 'bowlers' careers are at stake'.
Samson's rocky journey gets special praise from Ashwin
The former Indian all-rounder believes Samson has the ability to win matches single-handedly when he finds his rhythm, even though his career has seen many ups and downs.
Ravichandran Ashwin signed off by saying, “Some players have an easier journey, while others have a more difficult one. Sanju Samson is one of those players whose journey has had a lot of ups and downs. Honestly, he is the kind of player who can win you games whenever he gets going.”
Notably, Samson has already scored 1,660 runs in 74 T20Is at an average of 27.21 and a strike rate of 157.64 with the help of nine half-centuries and three centuries. The 31-year-old will look to continue his form in the third T20I against West Indies in Indore on Sunday, October 11.
