Sanju Samson’s exceptional 89 not out, laced with 10 fours and 3 sixes, was the defining moment on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy third-round fixture between India D and India B at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B-ground in Anantapur.
Samson’s heroic knock came after a promising start by India D was threatened by a mini-slide. India D had cruised to 173 for two before losing two quick wickets, leaving the team at 175 for four. Enter Sanju Samson, whose aggressive batting style quickly changed the momentum of the innings.
He got off to a flying start, dispatching the second delivery he faced from Rahul Chahar through extra cover. Samson’s strokeplay was a masterclass in timing and placement, as he punished any width offered by the India B bowlers.
He hit boundaries with ease, cutting, driving, and upper-cutting his way to a quickfire half-century. Samson’s most impressive moment came against off-spinner Washington Sundar, who he clobbered for 16 runs in a single over, including two massive sixes.
The Kerala batter’s effort built on the earlier 105-run opening stand between Devdutt Padikkal (50) and K.S. Bharat (52). Padikkal and Bharat were initially cautious against the moving ball, but they eventually settled in and started to score runs with more authority.
However, India B fought back, claiming wickets at crucial moments and putting India D under pressure. Padikkal, despite a determined fight, was eventually dismissed for 50, and Bharat fell victim to a well-directed bouncer.
Ricky Bhui, who has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, also continued his impressive run, scoring a quickfire 56 before falling victim to a mistimed shot. However, Samson’s unwavering resilience and brilliant strokeplay ensured India D finished the day at 306 for five, with a strong foundation for the remaining days of the match.
While the day was a testament to Sanju Samson’s batting prowess, it was also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Duleep Trophy, where teams constantly battle for a dominant position. It remains to be seen whether India D can capitalize on the solid foundation laid by Samson and secure victory in the upcoming days of the match.
