Overview

• After not batting in India’s first two group matches, Samson was promoted to first drop versus Oman and top-scored with 56 off 45.
• India posted 188/8 in Abu Dhabi and limited Oman to 167 to enter the Super Four as Group A’s unbeaten side, with Pakistan next on September 21 in Dubai.
• Sunil Gavaskar lauded Samson’s class, citing clean timing, a checked straight six, and the range to score on both sides of the wicket.
• Kris Srikkanth said the strike rate was modest but the innings anchored partnerships with Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Axar Patel that underpinned 188.
• Separate reports indicate CSK are focusing on a five-day trial camp under Stephen Fleming and Rajiv Kumar and are unlikely to pursue a big-money move for Samson before the IPL 2026 auction.