IND vs SA: Glad Sanju Samson Was Able To Grab His Chances Here- KL Rahul

Sanju Samson shattered a marvelous ton in IND vs SA 3rd ODI to drive the team to victory. Skipper KL Rahul said that he was happy that Sanju Samson was able to grab the No. 3 spot in the match.

Sanju Samson usually gets the spot in the middle-order position. However, KL Rahul promoted him to the one-down spot in the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI. Samson banked upon the opportunity to score his first century in international cricket.

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer are the two prominent No. 3 batters for India in ODIs. However, in their absence from the IND vs SA ODI series, Sanju Samson took over the one-down position and delivered a wonderful performance. He also won the Player for the Match award.

Also Read: IND vs SA: “This Hundred Is Going To Change Sanju Samson’s Career” – Sunil Gavaskar Says After 3rd ODI

Glad Sanju Samson Was Able To Grab His Chances Here: KL Rahul

While speaking during the post-match presentation, skipper KL Rahul said he was pleased for Sanju Samson. He also said that he was glad to provide the one-down spot to Samson.

“Pleased for Sanju, he’s been a phenomenal performer in the IPL over the years. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to give him the chance at No. 3, because obviously there are stalwarts in the ODIs who occupy those key spots. Glad he was able to grab his chances here,” KL Rahul said.

KL Rahul also added that the team will soon switch back to focus on the IND vs SA Test series.

“Love being around the boys, that’s how it’s been since I came over to South Africa after some time away following a disappointing World Cup final. Will celebrate with the boys and then switch back to focusing on the Test series in a day or two,” he further added.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Watch – Every Time You Come, They Play ‘Ram Siya Ram’ – KL Rahul, Keshav Maharaj’s Light-Hearted Exchange

India Crush Proteas By 78 Runs To Win Series 2-1

With Sanju Samson’s ton, India piled up 296-8 in 1st innings after being asked to bat first at Boland Park in Paarl. Notably, top-order batters like Rajat Patidar (22), Sai Sudharsan (10), and KL Rahul (21) got out cheaply and Samson rescued the team with an initial batting collapse.

Tilak Varma (52) and Rinku Singh (38) also scored crucial knocks for the team. Beuran Hendricks was the top wicket-taker for Proteas with 3 wickets while Nandre Burger got 2 scalps.

During the chase, opener Tony de Zorzi slammed 81 runs for South Africa. However, the home side lost key batters like Reeza Hendricks (19), Rassie van der Dussen (2), Aiden Markram (21), and Heinrich Klaasen (21) cheaply.

Left-arm Arshdeep Singh crushed 4 wickets to execute a fabulous job in bowling. Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar also hunted 2 scalps each to demolish Proteas batters. After winning the match, India also won the series 2-1. Earlier, India won the 1st ODI by 8 wickets and lost the 2nd ODI by an equal margin.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Watch – “Really Emotional One” – Sanju Samson Expresses Feelings Post First ODI Hundred

IND vs SA Test Series Begins On December 26

India and South Africa will now lock horns in a Test series. The IND vs SA Test series will witness two games. The opening match commences on Tuesday, December 26. The venue of the encounter is SuperSport Park in Centurion.