Harbhajan Singh lauded Sanju Samson for his exemplary courage in leading the Rajasthan Royals to a win against the Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2023 clash on Sunday, April 16. Despite the Titans setting a 178-run target, Samson’s 60 runs off 32 balls saw the Royals reach the target with three wickets and four deliveries to spare, keeping them at the top of the IPL 2023 points table.
During a post-match discussion on Star Sports, Harbhajan applauded Samson’s bravery after his side lost a few wickets while attempting to reach a challenging target. He commented:
“Huge, a captain’s knock. Such players have more courage than other players. He is a special player. He had an even bigger impact than Hetmyer because he made the game, and Shimron Hetmyer finished it.”
“If you have confidence in your ability, you can take the match deep. MS Dhoni used to take the game deep because he didn’t have any doubt over his ability. He knew that if he stays till the end, he will finish the match.”
“Hetmyer also did that. He stayed till the end and finished the match, but who took the match till the end – Sanju Samson. This player has so much ability; he should play for India.” He further added.
After Samson and Hetmyer scored an impressive 59-run partnership in just 4.3 overs, the Royals brought their total to 55/4 in the 11th over. Hetmyer finished off with a remarkable 56* off 26 balls, helping the visitors reach the finish line before the skipper was dismissed off the last ball of the 15th over.
Samson should get consistent opportunities in Team India: Harbhajan
Harbhajan Singh argued that Sanju Samson should receive frequent chances to demonstrate his abilities on the global stage as well. He went on to say:
“We talk about him (Samson) again and again, that he plays the spinners and fast bowlers extremely well. He should get consistent opportunities in Team India as well. I am his fan, not from today, but for many years, because of the sort of player he is; he has the ability to win big matches.”
Harbhajan commended Samson for the sixes he managed to hit off the bowling of Rashid Khan. He highlighted that the Gujarat Titans spinner delivers his deliveries with a speedy pace and noted that it is difficult to deliver back-foot sixes against him.