Sanju Samson reflects on tribulation of being an Indian cricketer: 'For last 8-9 years...'

Sanju Samson made the most of the opportunity presented to him in the form of the 3rd ODI between India and West Indies. The right-hander played a breezy knock of 51 runs and helped India reach a colossal first-innings total of 351 runs. The 3rd ODI held a crucial position in the contest of the series, as ahead of the match, both teams were level at one apiece. 

3 things you need to know

• India vs West Indies 3rd ODI took place on Tuesday, August 1, 2023
• India won the match by 200 runs and subsequently clinched the series 2-1
• Sanju Samson played a blistering innings of 51 in the game

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India vs West Indies: Sanju Samson gives a rundown of his innings

While a victory is always welcomed and yearned for, this one brought extra encouragement in the form of Sanju Samson's extraordinary blitz. The 28-year-old hit four 6s and two 4s in his knock of 51. The player is long been in the scheme of things, however, inconsistency on the international front has kept him in and out of the squad. Nevertheless, the half-century comes as a major respite and may push him as one contender for the spot in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Following his innings, Samson gave a breakdown of his knock.

[Sanju Samson plays a shot to be caught by West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer, right, during their third ODI cricket match; Image: AP]

"It feels really great to spend some time in the middle, score some runs and contribute for your country. I had different plans for different players. I wanted to use my feet and dominate the lengths of the bowlers. Being an Indian cricketer is a challenging thing. I have played domestic cricket for the last 8-9 years and for India here and there, so it gives you a bit of understanding of playing in different positions. It is the number of overs you get and it is not about batting position, so you gotta prepare accordingly."

IND vs WI: India decimates West Indies in 3rd ODI

After enduring a setback in the 2nd ODI, Team India fired on all cylinders at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya took on the duties of the skipper and played a captain's knock, as well to take the opponents out of the game.

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From batting and bowling, to slip catching, every department clicked for India and in the end, the side prevailed by a huge margin of 200 runs, to record its biggest-ever away ODI victory against West Indies.