IND vs SA: Selector Will Remember This Sanju Samson Innings For A Long Time- Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Sanju Samson’s recent century has enhanced his prospects of securing a place in the team. However, Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that Sanju Samson might not feature in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson showcased his batting prowess during the third and final ODI against South Africa at Boland Park in Paarl on December 21. The right-handed batter played a pivotal role after the loss of two early wickets and achieved his first century in international cricket.

Samson seized the opportunity after being promoted to the No. 3 position in the series decider. He was named Player of the Match for his 108 runs off 114 balls, which included six fours and three sixes. He came to the crease in the 5th over and batted until the 46th over.

Sanju Sasom Has Come Of Age At The International Cricket – Sanju Samson

In a conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized the significance of Sanju Samson’s batting performance in the ODI series. Manjrekar stated that Samson delivered what people expected from him.

“Sanju Samson at this age after so many years at the first-class level, has come of age at the international level. I know this was an ODI series, people will forget the result of the series. But the way he batted – came in the fourth over, got to his 100 in the 44th over. That is something people wanted to see from Sanju Samson and they saw it,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

Sanju Samson forged a crucial partnership of 116 runs for the fourth wicket with Tilak Varma, who scored 52 off 77 balls. India reached a total of 296/8, with Samson playing a significant role. In response, the Indian bowlers dismissed the Proteas for 218 runs in 45.5 overs.

India secured a 2-1 victory in the three-match series, with Arshdeep Singh earning the Player of the Series award for his remarkable performance. The 24-year-old showcased exceptional bowling skills, claiming 10 wickets at an impressive average of 9.50 during the series.

The Selectors And The Team Management Will Not Forget It – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized that the team management and selectors will remember Sanju Samson’s century. Manjrekar expressed that Samson’s impressive performance has secured him a spot in the playing XI.

“So, what that hundred, that innings and the way he played, has done is, the selectors and the team management will not forget it. And that is the reason Sanju Samson was in the squad against expectation. Whenever there is a need to pick up a 50-over side, Sanju Samson will be very close to the playing 11,” Manjrekar added.

Sanju Samson made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka in July 2021. The Kerala-born cricketer has amassed 510 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60. He smashed one century and three half-centuries in his brief career.

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