Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar termed Sanju Samson as the “discovery” of the ODI series against South Africa, ahead of young Sai Sudarshan, who scored fifties in the first two matches.
According to Manjrekar, the way Samson batted in the decisive ODI in Paarl on Thursday was something that was expected from him in international cricket for a long time.
Samson was named player of the match in the Paarl ODI for scoring 108 runs off 114 balls, his first international century. The right-handed hitter hit six fours and three sixes as the Men in Blue scored 296/8 after being sent in to bat by the Proteas.
Assessing the right-handed batsman’s innings, Sanjay Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo:-
“Sanju Samson was the biggest find of the series for India because we have been waiting for this moment for many years.”
The veteran cricketer lauded the 29-year-old for adapting his game to the occasion, which he has often failed to do in the past.
“He came into bat in the fourth [fifth] over and reached his 100 in the 44th over. That was the requirement of the team.
Those who have been skeptical of Samson were expecting something like this from him. It was a very impressive innings because the other things are there,” Manjrekar said.
“If he had scored an 80-ball hundred, I would have said well done. But this is more than that because you have now have long-term hope from him,” the 58-year-old added.
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After losing three wickets for 101 runs, Samson along with Tilak Varma (52 off 77) rescued the Men in Blue by putting on 116 runs for the fourth wicket.
He can bat anywhere in the middle of the lineup.” Manjrekar on Samson’s adaptability
Despite his brilliant effort in the final against South Africa on Thursday, Manjrekar believes that Samson will struggle to make the playing eleven once the regular players return.
“The way he played today, it looks like No. 3 will suit him, but it is crowded over there – in the top three. If someone has the temperament and the ability to change their game as per team needs, such a batter is very important for the side.
It seems like he can play anywhere in the middle-order, do the finishing role as well. His confidence will be high now and, if there is vacancy, then they can definitely play him,” Manjrekar commented.
Samson has scored 510 runs in 16 ODI matches with a strike rate of 99.60 and an average of 56.66.
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