'It's not easy to let go of batting position': Abhishek hails Sanju's sacrifice

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma

In a team where individual milestones often command the spotlight, Sanju Samson chose to put the team ahead of himself. Fresh off a match-winning 61, the India wicketkeeper-batter gave up his opening slot to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the third T20I against New Zealand, a selfless call that earned him rich praise from opening partner Abhishek Sharma after India's six-wicket win.

Abhishek led India's charge with a breathtaking 38-ball 113, while Sooryavanshi made the most of his promotion with a blistering 45 off just 19 deliveries. The duo stitched together a mammoth 133-run partnership in seven overs, putting India firmly in control of the chase. Sooryavanshi was promoted to open after batting at No. 3 in the previous match. The teenager had initially come into the side following Ishan Kishan's groin injury, but it was Samson's decision to vacate his opening position that allowed the youngster to move up the order.

Samson had himself enjoyed a productive outing in the second T20I, winning the Player of the Match award for his 61. Despite that performance, he stepped aside to give Sooryavanshi an opportunity at the top, earning appreciation from his opening partner. "The way Sanju bhai batted in the last game, it is not easy to let go of one's familiar batting position. That showed his character, someone's going at his position. We can see in the team that everyone is selfless, everyone is happy for everyone, which is the hallmark of a great team," Abhishek told Sooryavanshi in a conversation facilitated by BCCI.TV.

Abhishek, Sooryavanshi power India to emphatic win

India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I on Tuesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Batting first, New Zealand posted 198/3, with Daryl Mitchell top-scoring with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls. Finn Allen contributed 40, while India's bowlers pulled things back towards the end to keep the hosts below 200.

In reply, Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking performance, smashing 113 off just 38 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes. He reached his century in 35 deliveries and shared a 133-run opening partnership with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 45 off 19 balls. India raced to 118 without loss in the Powerplay before completing the chase in 13.2 overs, with 40 balls remaining. The emphatic victory secured the series for India with two matches to spare.