Sanju Samson during IND vs PAK Asian Games 2026 Final (Source: AP Photos)Sanju Samson praised Pakistan's spirited performance in the Asian Games 2026 final on Saturday, especially after they seemed down and out at one point against India. At the same time, Samson backed the BCCI’s decision to send the strongest T20I unit available for the Asian Games 2026.Sanju Samson Points Out India’s Resilience After the Asian Games 2026 final, Samson highlighted how the Men in Blue, led by Shreyas Iyer, kept their nerve to defend the 211-run total. Pakistan, 39/3 in 6.1 overs, came close to the target at one stage, thanks to Hasan Nawaz’s masterclass.Thankfully, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, and Jasprit Bumrah, among others, kept it simple without much experimentation and restricted Pakistan to 192/6."We had a very experienced team. That's where the experience of experienced players comes in. We knew how to manage our energy, how to keep ourselves motivated and focused even when practices were not happening and matches were not happening," Samson said after the match.Also Read: Sanju Samson Joins Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli In Elite 9000-Run T20 Club"Bringing the 'A' team really helped, and that's what happened against Pakistan in the final. I think it was a proper game for everyone. We did not get the gold on a platter. We had to really work hard for it. That makes it all the more satisfying, and we are all happy," he added.How Did Samson Perform In Asian Games 2026?However, Samson has had a rough time in Japan lately. The wicketkeeper-batter, who won the Player of the Tournament award after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, had the scores of nine-ball 7 and four-ball 2 in the semi-final and final.Besides, Samson could only make seven runs off 9 balls during India’s historic match against Japan.As India vs West Indies T20Is approach, Samson would like to improve his numbers when the next assignment begins on Friday (October 9). He came to bat at No. 3 during the Asian Games 2026, with India opening the innings with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma.Therefore, with the No. 1 T20I batter Ishan Kishan coming so late down the order, it would be even interesting to see whether Samson get ample opportunities during IND vs WI T20Is.Also Read: Suryansh Shedge Replaces Hardik Pandya In India A Squad For Australia Series- Report
