Gambhir backs Sanju Samson’s maiden ton as turning point in career

Gautam Gambhir has highlighted Sanju Samson’s century in the third ODI against South Africa as a potential game-changer for Samson’s international career. Samson’s stellar performance, scoring 108 runs off 114 balls powered India to set a challenging 297-run target for the Proteas in the series-deciding match in Paarl. Despite a shaky start at 49/2, he steadied the innings, forging a crucial 52-run partnership with KL Rahul and later a formidable 116-run stand with Tilak Varma.

This impressive display not only contributed significantly to India’s total but also caught the attention of Gambhir, who believes it could prompt the team management to offer the wicketkeeper-batter a more consistent role in the side. India’s eventual 78-run victory dismissing South Africa for 218, secured only their second ODI series win in South Africa. Samson’s innings showcased his ability to anchor the innings, potentially earning him a more regular place in the national squad, according to Gambhir’s analysis.

“We all know how much talent Sanju Samson has. Not only us, everyone has spoken about it, the sort of knocks he has played in the IPL or T20 cricket. I believe he has kickstarted his international career with this knock. He used to get intermittent chances before this but when you score a hundred, you push the selectors and put pressure on them to give you regular chances in ODI cricket,” said Gambhir while talking to Star Sports.

I believe Sanju Samson should definitely be persisted with: Gambhir

The former India opener voiced his desire for an extended stint for the Kerala batter in ODI cricket, emphasizing his potential as a middle-order wicketkeeping option. The former cricketer-turned-commentator praised the quality and options the 29-year-old brought to the table, displayed during Thursday’s match, and hopes to witness more of the stylish right-hander’s brilliance in upcoming games.

“It needs to be seen whether they will persist with Sanju Samson in ODI cricket because the next World Cup is after four years. However, the quality of player Sanju is, I believe he should definitely be persisted with. The way he keeps as well, you have an excellent option in the middle order. You will always have a heavy top order but Sanju gives you a middle-order option plus wicketkeeping. So I feel his international career has started again after this knock,” concluded Gambhir.