India's bench depth praised by Samson after Kohli's West Indies knock

Sanjay Samson, India's senior wicket‑keeper, used Virat Kohli’s stunning 139* against the West Indies as a springboard to discuss the nation’s growing bench strength. After the match, which secured an eight‑wicket win and pushed Kohli past 15,000 ODI runs, Samson said the team feels privileged to count a player of Kohli’s stature among its ranks.

He explained that Kohli’s performance underlines a larger narrative: a deep pool of talent nurtured by a thriving domestic system. Samson highlighted how the Indian Premier League, alongside state‑level competitions, equips players with the skills needed for international cricket.

The wicket‑keeper added that the A team, the Under‑19 side and even fringe senior players receive regular exposure through overseas tours. Such opportunities, he noted, bring fresh faces into the spotlight and keep the senior squad competitive.

Samson concluded that a consistent focus on domestic cricket, combined with the IPL’s high‑pressure environment, creates a virtuous cycle that prevents any shortage of capable cricketers for the national team.

These comments were made ahead of the Asian Games men’s cricket semi‑final, where India aims to continue its strong showing.