IND Vs SA: "Sanju Samson Has Been In The Indian Team For Many Years.."- Dinesh Karthik

Kerala Born Batter Sanju Samson was probably having the last chance to prove himself when he stepped out to bat in a crucial situation during team India’s 78-run win against South Africa in the 3rd ODI at Paarl’s Boland Park Stadium. Samson arrived at the crease when India had lost both of its openers cheaply and it was the Kerala man who took charge to help the visitors post a respectable total on the board.

South African Captain Aiden Markram after winning the toss elected to bowl first in a batting-friendly pitch that offered a little help for the bowlers in the 1st innings. However, in contrast, South Africa took 2 early wickets, the first of debutant Rajat Patidar for 22 who was clean bowled by Nandre Burger while Sai Sudharsan received his marching orders from Beuran Hendricks for just 10 off 16.

The Men in Blue were 49/2 by the 8th over with Sanju Samson walking out to bat at number 3 in the 5th over. Samson knew that it could well be his final chance to stay relevant for team India selection shortly. And without a doubt, the Right-hand batter shone under pressure just like a big player does.

First, he steadied India’s innings with a much-needed partnership of 52 with Captain KL Rahul who was sent to the dressing room by Wiaan Mulder in the last ball of the 19th over. At that time, the scoreboard again emphasized the fact that the visitors needed another partnership to post a defendable total. By the 20th over it looked like India are cruising towards another Middle-order collapse which was the primary reason why Rahul Dravid’s side lost the 2nd ODI at Gqeberha.

However, Samson found the support of 21-year-old Batter Tilak Varma who scored his maiden ODI half-century. Both of them stood for a partnership of 116 runs for the 5th wicket. In the 42nd over, Varma while trying to play a sweep off Keshav Maharaj ended up getting caught by Wiaan Mulder towards the deep square leg region.

But just a few balls later, Sanju Samson raised his helmet and bat in pride and also flexed his muscles after completing his maiden ODI century off 110 balls. His blistering inning included Six 4s and Three 6s which resulted in him becoming the man of the match with India posting 297 as the target with South Africa getting folded for 218.

Dinesh Karthik Hails The Resolve And Mental Strength Of Sanju Samson

Following Samson’s match-winning knock, former India wicket-keeper batsman turned cricket pundit, Dinesh Karthik appreciated the resolve and mental strength shown by the 29-year-old and also pointed out why Samson has such a loyal fan base.

“Sanju Samson has been in the Indian team for many years, not been part of many multi-nation tournaments. World speaks highly of him, he has the amount of supporters that biggest players have, the love and affection of a lot of people. And he showed today why he has that.” – said Samson. 

“In a series decider, gets his opportunity at No. 3, which he is very comfortable with, comes in, takes on the pressure, stitches a 52-run partnership with KL Rahul, but it was after that, that was very, very good what he did. In the 19th over, when KL Rahul fell to Wiaan Mulder, Samson and Tilak Varma really soaked the pressure between 19–35 overs. They were not getting boundaries at that stage.” – Karthik concluded. 

Meanwhile, in the final phase of the India Vs South Africa series, a 2-match test series is set to start on 26th December with the 2nd Test taking place on January 3rd.