Sunil Gavaskar’s Take On Sanju Samson’s 56 vs Oman: Why A Slower Fifty Still Mattered

Sanju Samson finally got time in the middle and made 56 off 45 against Oman. The strike rate was 124, lower than his usual T20 tempo. Still, Sunil Gavaskar called the innings important. He said Samson had to bat long, find rhythm, and hold the innings together on a pitch that wasn’t flat. That is what Samson did, and it helped India reach 188/8 — enough to win by 21 runs.

What Gavaskar Liked

• Gavaskar praised Samson’s calm approach and timing.

• He pointed to one straight six as a sign of class — waiting on the ball, checking the shot late, and still getting clean connection.

• He felt Samson needed this hit-out before tougher Super Four games, especially if he bats at No. 4 or No. 5.

“ He batted extremely well… he needed to bat for long… when a batter scores 40–50 runs, he gets confidence… his timing was excellent.”

Why The Strike Rate Looked Low

• Samson walked in early at 6/1 and found a pitch with grip and turn.

• India lost wickets regularly, so he had to anchor rather than just swing.

• The last three overs brought only one boundary; India were trying to keep wickets for a final push and avoid a collapse.

On such tracks, 56 off 45 is useful if the set batter stays, lets hitters play around him, and ensures the team reaches a par-plus score.

What Samson Did Well

• Started steady, then targeted spin in the middle overs.

• Mixed risk and rotation: three fours, three sixes, plus many singles.

• Stayed till the 18th over, handing India a platform after the early loss of Shubman Gill.

The knock wasn’t flashy but it was match-shaped — it matched the pitch, the situation, and the need for one set batter.

How This Helps India

• Role clarity: Samson showed he can bat at No. 3 or slide to No. 5 to finish phases.

• Rhythm banked: Time in the middle matters before a Pakistan clash.

• Flexibility unlocked: With Suryakumar likely back at No. 3 later, Samson can be the middle-overs stabiliser who also hits spin.

Could He Have Gone Harder?

Short answer: maybe, but the risk was high. India had already experimented with the XI, rested frontline bowlers, and wanted to avoid a late collapse. Samson’s job became about batting deep, not maximum speed. In that role, a 120–130 strike rate can still be match-winning if others get cameos around it.

What To Watch Next

• Batting slot: If Suryakumar returns to No. 3, Samson could drop to No. 5 as the game-shaper.

• Spin matchups: Expect Samson to target wristspin after the powerplay.

• Tempo switch: If conditions are truer, he can lift to 140+ SR after getting in.

Bottom Line

Gavaskar’s verdict fits the game state: Samson’s fifty was about responsibility, not highlight reels. He soaked up pressure, hit the right bowlers, and stayed long enough to build a winning total. As a tune-up before the Super Four, it ticked the right boxes.