Sanju Samson showcased a remarkable performance in the first T20I against South Africa, scoring a dazzling 107 runs off just 50 balls. His innings, highlighted by seven fours and ten sixes, played a pivotal role in India’s 61-run victory at Kingsmead, Durban. This knock marked Samson’s second consecutive T20I century, having previously scored 111 against Bangladesh. After the game, Samson’s emotions were evident as he reflected on his long journey and the persistence required to reach this point in his career.
In a mid-innings interview, Samson spoke candidly when asked if he felt he was in the best form of his career. The 29-year-old admitted, “If I think a lot, I might get a bit emotional. It hasn’t been easy, as I waited 10 long years for this moment. I’m very happy, grateful, and blessed. But I want to stay grounded, enjoy the moment, and keep pushing forward.”
Samson’s aggressive knock was instrumental in setting a challenging total for South Africa, allowing India to post 202/8 in their 20 overs. Reflecting on his mindset during the innings, Samson noted that he felt “in a zone,” allowing his instincts to take over. “Honestly, it was just happening automatically. I wanted to keep that flow,” he explained. He also highlighted the challenging conditions, noting the extra bounce on the pitch and strong wind at the ground, which South Africa’s bowlers exploited well.
When asked about his approach and the importance of intent, Samson shared, “It’s all about having a positive mindset. If the ball is there to be hit, go for it. I focus on one ball at a time, and that keeps me grounded through the innings.”
Samson’s international career has been marked by inconsistent opportunities, with sporadic selections over the years. However, following the retirements of T20 greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, he has seen more playing time in the format. His future in the lineup remains uncertain, as young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are expected to return after the Test season, potentially intensifying competition for spots.
In this T20I series opener, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl. After Samson’s stellar knock, India’s bowlers Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets each, restricting South Africa to just 141 and securing India a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The two teams will face off again in the second T20I on Sunday, November 10, as India looks to extend its advantage.
