‘We didn’t get gold on a platter’: Sanju Samson on India’s hard-fought victory over Pakistan

India’s Abhishek Sharma, right, celebrates with wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, center and Tilak Varma (PTI Photo) India’s Asian Games gold medal didn’t come easy, according to wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who credited the presence of experienced players for helping the team overcome the pressure of a high-stakes final against Pakistan.India defeated their arch-rivals by 19 runs on Saturday to successfully defend their men’s cricket gold at the continental showpiece.Samson said the experience in the team proved to be key, especially during the tournament where rain repeatedly disrupted training and match schedules.“We had a very experienced team. That’s the experience of experienced players. We knew how to manage our energy, how to keep our motivation and concentration, even when the training sessions weren’t going on and the matches weren’t being played,” said Samson after the match.India decided to send their regular T20 contingent to the Asian Games and Samson felt that the ‘A’ team gave them both the quality and composure required for the occasion.“Bringing in the ‘A’ team really helped and that happened against Pakistan in the final. I think it was the right game for everyone,” he added.

Pakistan kept India under pressure

India posted 211 for six after half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, but Pakistan refused to make the final a one-sided contest.Despite India putting up a formidable total, Pakistan took full advantage of the good batting surface and kept the chase alive deep into the innings, eventually finishing at 192 for six.Samson said the nature of the competition made Indian gold even more profitable.“Finally we played a good game. We put up 200 in the first innings and we thought the second innings might be difficult for Pakistan, but the wicket was good and they batted well too. Everyone saw a good final.”“We didn’t get the gold on a platter. We had to work really hard for it. That’s what makes it satisfying and we’re all happy,” he said.Samson acknowledged the significance of the India-Pakistan final on the Asian Games stage, but said the players were focused on responding to the demands of the match once the game started.“It is definitely a big occasion and a big opportunity for all of us to represent our country in the finals of the Asian Games.“That happens before and after the match. But once the game starts, we play according to the demands of the match conditions and match situations,” he said.