Experienced South African cricketer AB de Villiers often talks about his respect for Indian player Sanju Samson. He watched Samson grow with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL over ten years. Now, seeing Samson on India’s T20I team against Afghanistan pleases him greatly.
Samson can bat anywhere in the top four, which might come in useful for India given that players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are sidelined for the series due to injuries. He and Jitesh Sharma might compete for the position of wicketkeeper.
Here’s what AB de Villiers said about Sanju Samson in a video posted on his YouTube channel:
“I have been a huge fan of Sanju Samson. I think he is a wonderful player. He has been an incredible performer for the Rajasthan Royals for many years. It is great to see him back in the squad (against Afghanistan).”
AB de Villiers
Sanju Samson proves AB de Villiers right with maiden ton in South Africa
AB de Villiers had posted a video on his YouTube account showcasing the squads announced for all three formats prior to India’s trip to South Africa. Sanju Samson was included in the ODI team despite missing the 2023 World Cup, and De Villiers was optimistic that he would like batting on the South African wickets.
What he had said was as follows:
“It’s great to see him in the team. He will enjoy the South African wickets. He stands tall when he bats. There’s a bit of bounce and movement and all the batters will be tested. But someone like Sanju, I think, will do well. And he also gives you an option with the gloves.”
AB de Villiers
The forecast came true as Sanju Samson scored his first century for the Indian team in the third and final One-Day International at Paarl. In the Twenty20 Internationals vs Afghanistan, he will be hoping to make the most of his chance.