After Sanju Samson’s game-winning century in the first T20I match against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, November 8, former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers showered the Indian wicketkeeper-batter with adulation.
The legendary player from South Africa pleaded with the Indian selectors to let Samson play for the country in all three formats. The 29-year-old has improved his game, De Villiers added, and he questioned if the new coaching staff was involved.
“Sanju’s skill level has increased. I hope that all of the formats’ selectors are keeping an eye on this. I’d like to watch this guy perform in any format. He is, in my opinion, a very unique individual who can perform in every format under any circumstance anywhere in the globe. In a video posted to his YouTube account, de Villiers stated, “I doubt it’s the coaching staff, but something has clicked in the Sanju Samson world.”
Samson hit seven fours and ten sixes in his spectacular 107 from 50 balls against the Proteas. After Aiden Markram won the toss and asked the tourists to bat first, he assisted India in scoring 202/8. India won by 61 runs after South Africa was knocked out for 141 in the reply.
Sanju Samson has always been a huge favourite of mine: AB De Villiers
De Villiers said he has been in contact with the Kerala cricketer for a number of years and that he has a soft spot for Samson.
“I’m really proud of the man.” Since I do have a personal relationship with him, I say I’m proud. We’ve been communicating for several years. The cricket player-turned-expert said, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Sanju Samson; I just love the way he plays, and I always want him to do well.”
After a brilliant century against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last month, Samson entered the series. The Pulluvila-born player, who has now scored two consecutive hundreds,
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will try to continue his purple patch when India plays South Africa in the second Twenty20 International on Sunday, November 10 at Gqeberha.