Sanju Samson's whirlwind 21-ball fifty equals Virat Kohli's record as India post 79/1 against West Indies in Ranchi

Sanju Samson answered his disappointing outing in the series opener with a blistering 21-ball fifty in the second T20I against West Indies at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Friday, matching Virat Kohli's record for the joint-fastest fifty by an Indian against the Caribbean side in the format.

Samson's explosive start also powered India to their highest powerplay score against West Indies in T20Is — 79/1, surpassing the previous mark of 72 without loss, recorded at the Wankhede Stadium in 2019, the same venue and year in which Kohli had set the fifty record.

After managing only 11 in the series opener in Lucknow — a match India won by eight wickets — the wicketkeeper-batter made an emphatic statement, taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers and giving India a flying start after captain Shreyas Iyer was asked to bat first.

Two reprieves, then a record-equalling fifty

Samson's innings was as fortunate as it was aggressive. He was dropped on six in the third over and received another reprieve on 42, in the sixth over at 5.4 overs. He made the West Indies pay almost immediately, reaching his fifty two balls later with back-to-back boundaries.

The landmark arrived in style in the final over of the powerplay. Facing Romario Shepherd, Samson drove a full delivery neatly through extra-cover for four to complete his 21-ball half-century. He raised his bat briefly before turning his attention back to the job at hand.

His assault featured six fours and three sixes, underlining the range of his strokeplay and his intent to dominate from the outset.

Abhishek, Samson give India a flying start

Samson added 42 runs for the opening wicket with Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 20 off 12 balls in a partnership that lasted four overs. After Abhishek's departure, Samson continued to lead the scoring alongside Ishan Kishan, keeping the pressure on the West Indies attack.

Hope's call to bowl, Iyer backs unchanged XI

The explosive start came after West Indies captain Shai Hope opted to bowl first, expecting the wet conditions to worsen as the evening progressed. Hope also made one change to his side, bringing in Gudakesh Motie in place of Forde.

India captain Iyer confirmed an unchanged playing XI and said his side would adapt to the conditions while maintaining its standards throughout the match.

"We were looking to bowl first as well, will have to adapt quickly. We have talked about maintaining standards for 40 overs. We want to challenge ourselves to get better. We are going with the same team," Iyer said at the toss.

Another entry in a record-laden rivalry

Samson's milestone is the latest record-breaking moment in India's recent encounters with West Indies. On September 27, Virat Kohli hammered his 55th ODI century in Thiruvananthapuram, reaching three figures in just 74 balls as India comfortably chased down 295/7 — his 10th ODI hundred against the Caribbean side, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous benchmark of nine ODI tons against a single team.

On September 30 in Guwahati, West Indies opener John Campbell smashed a 65-ball ODI century to eclipse Chris Gayle's record against India — a reminder of the visitors' counterpunching ability that Samson and company will be wary of through the remainder of this five-match T20I series.

With a 1-0 lead secured in Lucknow, India will now hope Samson's explosive form — and not merely his two reprieves — defines the rest of the series.

Sources: Times of India (toi_cricket).