Sanju Samson is finally coming into his own at the international level. After an impressive last few series with the national side, the Kerala keeper-batsman produced another impressive show – in the second ODI vs Zimbabwe in Harare, on Saturday, helping India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series.
First, Samson took three catches of the top three Zimbabwe batters – including a one-handed stunned to dismiss opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 161, which seemed an easy target for India, especially after they had chased down 190 in the first ODI with all 10 wickets in hand.
But India stuttered a bit in their chase and were 97/4 – still much in a comfortable place, but unusual things have happened in cricket.
Not today, though, as Samson ensured India’s victory, with his attacking unbeaten knock of 43* runs off 39 balls; he smashed 4 sixes and 3 fours in his innings to further show the aggressive brand of cricket that the Indian management has asked for from their batters. And even completed the chase with a six down the ground.
Samson, who came in at number 6, was involved in a crucial partnership with Deepak Hooda, who was slotted at number 5: the pair added 56 runs off 58 balls after India were in a bit of a pickle at 97/4; Hooda only scored 17 in that stand, and it was the Rajasthan Royals skipper who smacked 36 off 33 balls with Hooda watching it at the non-striker’s end.
Sanju Samson enjoyed a lot of crowd support as usual from the Indian fans in Harare. The fans even chanted ‘Sanju, Sanju’ hoping to see him finish the match with a six, and responding to the fans, the keeper-batter accomplished in style.
The video of the same was shared by Rajasthan Royals via their official Twitter handle. Watch the video:
The crowd was rooting for him. And Chetta didn’t disappoint.
pic.twitter.com/swXFvjKynq
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 20, 2022
For his sharp wicket-keeping and good batting effort, Sanju Samson was awarded his maiden Man of the Match award in ODI cricket.
“How much ever time you spend in the middle, it makes you feel good. Even more special to do it for the country. I did take three catches, but I missed a stumping. Really enjoying keeping and batting. I think they (Indian bowlers) were bowling really good areas, a lot of balls came nicely to me,” Samson said.
Fans on Twitter were also elated for the 27-year-old as he has been doing well in the India blue colours this year.
Here are some of the best reactions by netizens on Sanju Samson:
Crowd chanted “Sanju Sanju” and Sanju finishes off in style with a six
— Sameer Prajapati (@SameerP14178298) August 20, 2022
. Sanju Samson said “It was so touching” – after signing the match ball to the kid who is fighting against cancer. pic.twitter.com/ibFEMn1sIU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 20, 2022
No hate to other Wicket Keeping Batsmen but
If you talk about Batting and Wicket Keeping techniques both No one is close to Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/I7hZ7GjvNS
— Rockstar MK
(@RockstarMK11) Sanju Samson averages 57.50 in ODIs and 44.75 in T20is in 2022.
This is Sanju Samson the Best Young Batsman in India as Gautam Gambhir mentioned.#SanjuSamson #IndvsWI @GautamGambhir @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/R1p9RicQsZ
— Anurag
Samson
— Kartik O
(@KOCricket528) Samson’s glove work so far has been brilliant.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) August 20, 2022
Sanju Samson became 1st Indian Wicketkeeper to win ODI M.O.M Award in Zimbabwe
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) August 20, 2022
Sanju Samson with his maiden Man Of The Match Award in international cricket. pic.twitter.com/e8sjtuhbSn
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 20, 2022
One hand stunner from Sanju Samson
— Abhijith Prabhakaran (@AbhijithNairP) August 20, 2022
Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 43 in 39 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes – he was the leading run scorer for India in the chase. pic.twitter.com/dH8sTiNBIO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 20, 2022
Sanju Samson
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) August 20, 2022
43 from just 39. What a match winning inning @IamSanjuSamson
— Sanju Samson Army
(@SanjuSamsonEra) Three catches with the gloves and a match-winning knock with the bat
Sanju Samson is the Player of the Match!
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 20, 2022
Impressive behind the stumps..
Impressive with the bat..
That’s Sanju Samson for you— AJ
(@AJ_Star_21) The third and last ODI of the series will be played on Monday, after which the Asia Cup-bound players will fly to the UAE. Sanju Samson isn’t one of them and will return back home.
