Sanju Samson in motion through the third ODI in opposition to South Africa on December 21, 2023.
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India captain KL Rahul conceded {that a} “phenomenal” Sanju Samson was discovering it troublesome to discover a place within the facet as stalwarts within the workforce occupy key spots, including that he was happy the gifted cricketer grabbed his chance within the sequence in opposition to the Proteas.
Samson, elevated to No.3 spot, smashed his maiden ODI century within the third and closing match in opposition to the Proteas on December 21 as India gained by 78 runs to wrap up the sequence 2-1.
“Pleased for Sanju, he’s been a phenomenal performer in the IPL over the years. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to give him the chance at No. 3, because obviously there are stalwarts in the ODIs who occupy those key spots.
“Glad he was able to seize his possibilities right here,” said Rahul following the big win.
Samson’s measured 108 (114 balls) and Tilak Varma’s patient 52 (77 balls) guided India to a competitive 296 for eight. South Africa challenged the tourists through a fifty by Tony de Zorzi (81, 87 balls) but were eventually bowled out for 218 in 45.5 overs.
Samson didn’t get the opportunity in the first ODI as the target set by South Africa was very low, while in the second match, the wicketkeeper-batter scored 12 coming in at No.5. But in the decider, he was elevated to No.3 as Virat Kohli is not touring with the ODI side.
Rahul added the focus of the team will now shift to the two-Test series beginning in Centurion on December 26. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli will be back in the side and Rahul will be the first-choice keeper.
“Will rejoice with the the boys after which swap again to specializing in the Test sequence in a day or two. Love being across the boys, that is the way it’s been since I came visiting to South Africa after a while away following a disappointing World Cup closing,” he added.
‘Player of the match’ Samson said he was happy to have scored his maiden ODI century in 16 outings, and added the extra 3-4 overs he got to bat coming in at No.3 helped him in his endeavour.
“Proud of it (century), specifically contemplating the outcome as properly. Have been working laborious. This format provides you some further time to perceive the wicket and the bowler’s mindset. Batting at the highest of the order provides you these 10-20 further deliveries,” said Samson.
He added that the juniors in the side had really upped their game and made the seniors proud.
“The entire nation may be very pleased with how Tilak Verma has stepped up, tons extra anticipated from him. The seniors have set the requirements of Indian cricket and the juniors are coming in and doing the job. It’s not very simple, travelling in between and enjoying each 2-3 days however they’re getting the job achieved.” Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who returned sublime figures of 4 for 30 to add to the five-for in the first ODI, said the IPL experience had made him a much better cricketer.
“The plan was easy, it was to bowl wicket-to-wicket and get lbws and bowled. Sometimes when there is not something occurring on the wicket, you want some assist from the umpires, that is why I had to enchantment so much,” said the ‘Player of the Series’ for his 10 wickets.
“IPL has been an excellent platform for us children, there is not an enormous hole between IPL and worldwide cricket. You perceive the mindset of worldwide cricketers and it helps. We are all loving the possibilities we have. We’d love to give our all sooner or later as properly and do properly,” he added.
