In a career-defining moment, Sanju Samson, the explosive Indian batter, earned high praise from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar for his brilliant century against South Africa in the third One Day International (ODI) on Thursday at Boland Park, Paarl.
Before Sanju Samson power-packed performance, Gavaskar had already expressed support for the cricketer, and his knock of 108 off 114 balls in the series decider indeed proved to be a game-changer. The cricket maestro, who witnessed Samson’s innings, emphasized the batsman’s mature shot selection and caution in his strokes.
“The standout for me from this innings was his shot selection. Today, you couldn’t fault him at all, he was biding his time, waiting for the bad ball, and then getting a hundred. I think this hundred is going to change his career,” Gavaskar remarked in an interview with Star Sports.
Sanju Samson journey to ODI century in South Africa
Sanju Samson journey to the century was marked by setbacks, from missing opportunities at the Asia Cup to being left out of the World Cup squad. However, his outstanding century in the series finale against South Africa not only silenced critics but also strengthened his case for a more prominent role in the limited-overs format.
Gavaskar, impressed by Samson’s resilience, predicted a positive shift in his career trajectory. “Secondly, I think he will also start to believe in himself more that he belongs to this level. This century will make him believe he belongs here. He has always belonged here, mind you,” added Gavaskar.
Promoted to the No. 3 position, Samson’s classical ODI knock contributed significantly to India’s victory, securing a 2-1 series win over South Africa. His partnership with Tilak Varma and a memorable knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
As Sanju Samson moves forward in his cricketing journey, Gavaskar believes the century will not only open doors to more opportunities for the 29-year-old but also instill a renewed self-belief. Samson, with his undeniable talent, is set to make a lasting impact, and his next appearance will be eagerly awaited in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year.
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