'I Just Like to Be Blunt, Watch the Ball': Sanju Samson reveals His Batting Philosophy after 82 in Ranchi

Sanju Samson believes trusting his instincts and maintaining a positive mindset are central to his batting approach as the India wicketkeeper-batter played an explosive 82-run knock against West Indies in the second T20I at Ranchi on Friday.

Samson smashed 82 off just 41 deliveries, including nine fours and four sixes, as India mounted an aggressive batting effort against the visitors. He reached his half-century in 21 balls, matching Virat Kohli's record for the fastest fifty by an Indian batter against West Indies in T20 Internationals.

However, the right-hander revealed that negotiating the conditions at the beginning of his innings was not straightforward.

Asked whether he found it difficult to get going, Samson explained how his preparation and observations helped him assess the surface.

"Yeah, it is definitely. I think that's the thing about playing at different venues. I got to bat yesterday in the centre, so we could get to understand a bit that the ball might skid a bit, stay a bit low," Samson said after his knock.

He added that the ball was indeed staying low and skidding through the surface. Nevertheless, with the team needing an aggressive approach, he backed himself to execute his shots rather than spend too much time settling in.

Samson also explained that he does not necessarily identify specific scoring areas once he gets set. Instead, he prefers to react to the delivery and trust his natural game.

"I just try to just look at the ball and have a very positive frame of mind. I think if the ball is in my area, I definitely go for it," he added.

Explaining his preference for instinctive batting, Samson added that he does not like becoming too premeditated and instead focuses on watching the ball and backing his instincts.

The India player's innings had a few excellent shots and former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was in awe of some of them, heaping praise during commentary.

"Sanju Samson is never out of form. He may get out early, he may top edge on and get dismissed, but his shots are exquisite. The shots he plays can only be played by someone is great touch with the bat," Gavaskar said during the match.