Sunil Gavaskar has pointed out a ‘rare’ element in Sanju Samson’s batting following his sensational performances in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, even comparing him with some of the greats of the game.
Writing in his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar highlighted how the wicketkeeper batter combined classical technique with modern T20 aggression during his match-winning knocks.
“Purity of batting is generally considered a virtue in the longest format of the game, Test match cricket, and occasionally in the 50-over format, but it is hardly ever associated with the ultra-short format of the game,” Gavaskar wrote while describing the rarity of such elegance in T20 cricket.
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Sanju Samson emerged as the leading run-getter for India, scoring 321 runs in just five innings at a brilliant strike rate of 199.37. His performances in the knockout matches further led Sunil Gavaskar to compare Samson with former cricketers Viv Richards and Mahela Jayawardene.
Sanju Samson's performances remind Sunil Gavaskar of legends
The former India captain also compared Sanju Samson’s strokeplay to some of the greatest batters in world cricket.
According to Sunil Gavaskar, Samson’s powerful pull shots against England speedster Jofra Archer reminded him of the dominance once displayed by West Indies legend Viv Richards. However, Gavaskar also added that Samson's overall batting reflects that of Mahela Jayawardene.
“His pulling, especially off the fierce pace of Jofra Archer, was reminiscent of Viv Richards at his powerful best, though most of his batting is more in the mould of the Sri Lankan stylist Mahela Jayawardene,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
The Indian wicketkeeper batter played a decisive role in the knockout stages and finished the tournament as one of the standout performers.
Sanju Samson was not even a regular member of India’s playing XI before the start of the T20 World Cup due to his inconsistent form. But the wicketkeeper batter grabbed the opportunity with both hands once he got his chance, finishing as Player of the Tournament.
