In the thrilling conclusion to the three-match ODI series between South Africa and India at Boland Park, Paarl, India emerged victorious, clinching the series 2-1. Amidst the riveting clash, one player who stole the spotlight was Sanju Samson, marking a triumphant return to the international cricket scene.
Having faced neglect in the ODI series over the past two years and conspicuously absent from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad, Sanju Samson’s resilience and talent came to the fore in the third ODI. The right-handed batsman, batting at number 3, showcased his mettle on a challenging wicket, crafting a remarkable century. Samson’s innings of 108 runs off 114 balls, embellished with 6 fours and 3 sixes, not only silenced critics but also raised pertinent questions about his exclusion from previous line-ups.
India Should Persist With Sanju Samson Till The Next World Cup: Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir, a seasoned cricket pundit, offered insightful commentary on Sanju Samson’s innings during a conversation with Star Sports. Gambhir acknowledged Samson’s undeniable talent, citing his noteworthy performances in the IPL. He emphasised the significance of a century, stating that such innings not only impress selectors but also exert pressure on them to include the player in future matches.
Gambhir expressed his thoughts on the sporadic chances Samson had received before this game. According to him, consistent performances, especially in the form of a century, can be a game-changer for a player striving to establish a foothold in international cricket. He remarked, “When you score a 100, you not only impress the selectors but even put pressure on them to pick you.”
Gambhir underscored the versatility that Sanju Samson brings to the table. Not confined to his batting, Samson’s wicket-keeping skills make him a valuable asset in the middle order. Despite India’s formidable top order, Gambhir advocated for persisting with Samson, asserting that he provides a robust option in the middle.
“While the next World Cup is four years away, the quality player Samson is, I feel he should be persisted with. With his keeping, you have a very good option in the middle order. India will always have a strong and heavy top order, but Samson will always give you that option in the middle. With this knock, Samson has restarted his career,” Gambhir remarked, encapsulating the potential impact of Samson’s resurgence.
In the final analysis, Gambhir highlighted the significance of Samson’s ability to score big hits, asserting that such prowess alleviates pressure, especially in the limited-overs format. Despite Samson’s limited exposure in the one-day format, Gambhir expressed hope for a consistent run, enabling cricket fans to witness more of Sanju Samson’s brilliance on the international stage.
“This is just his 15th or 16th one-day game. He has been around the Indian team but hasn’t gotten too many opportunities. But the way he got a big score today, I hope he gets a consistent run from here and hope we get to see more of Sanju Samson,” Gambhir concluded, offering a glimpse into what the future might hold for the talented cricketer.
