NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson is in stellar form, showcasing a sensational performance against South Africa. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored an explosive 107 off 50 balls in Durban, leading India to a commanding 61-run victory. His aggressive innings featured seven fours and 10 massive sixes.
Reflecting on the win, which gave India a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, Samson credited senior team members for their guidance in helping him overcome the mental challenges of playing for India.
“When you have a supportive captain like Suryakumar Yadav, along with Gautam bhai and VVS Laxman sir, their support during failures means a lot,” Samson shared at the post-match conference. “The way they communicate with you through tough times is very important. Everyone knows that during a rough patch, it’s easy for a player to feel lost,” he added.
Samson’s 107 now stands as the highest individual score in a T20I between India and South Africa, surpassing David Miller’s unbeaten 106 in Guwahati in 2022. His powerful innings helped India post an impressive total of 202/8, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Despite a rocky start under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach, Samson has made a remarkable comeback with strong performances against Bangladesh and now South Africa. “At that time, I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam bhai and Surya, advising me on what to work on,” Samson revealed.
“Gautam bhai told me to gather all the spinners in Kerala and practice on rough wickets. When the captain of the Indian team calls you and guides you on practice after a tough outing, it boosts your confidence—you know the captain believes in you,” he explained.
“These small moments make a big difference,” added Samson.
India and South Africa are set to face off again in the second T20I on Sunday in Gqeberha.
