Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar was all praise for Sanju Samson after the visitors defeated South Africa in the three-match ODI series on Thursday. Samson hit a maiden international century to set up a 78-run for India in the series decider in Paarl. The wicketkeeper-batter made 108 off 114 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes, as India posted a total of 296/8 after being invited to bat. The knock came as a huge relief for Samson, who has not able to cement his place in the team, despite boasting an average of over 50 in the format.
Manjrekar hailed Samson for keeping his natural instincts in check, adding that his admiration for the player has grown significantly following the knock in Paarl.
“Had Sanju Samson got a blazing 100 in 80 balls, you would have said well done Sanju! But that he came into bat in the 5th over & got his 100 in the 44th over & played to the team needs, seemingly against his nature, my admiration for Samson has grown considerably today,” Manjrekar posted on social media platform X.
Had Sanju Samson got a blazing 100 in 80 balls, you would have said well done Sanju! But that he came into bat in the 5th over & got his 100 in the 44th over & played to the team needs, seemingly against his nature, my admiration for Samson has grown considerably today!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 21, 2023
Manjrekar also labelled Samson “as the find of the series”.
“Sanju Samson was the biggest find of the series for India because we have been waiting for this moment for many years,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.
Samson was overlooked for the ODI World Cup in India )
