Ex-Indian cricket team starter, Sunil Gavaskar, thinks Sanju Samson’s 100-point score in the third ODI versus South Africa could change his career. Gavaskar believes this achievement will boost Samson’s confidence.
After failing in the second ODI, Sanju Samson was chastised for squandering his chances. However, he answered with a fantastic ton in the series-clinching third ODI, helping India win the series. After the Proteas had sent India in to bat, the Kerala-born batsman hit a patient 108.
Gavaskar told Star Sports that the 29-year-old would have more possibilities now:
“I think this hundred is going to change his career. One, he will get more opportunities because of this hundred. Secondly, I think he will also start to believe in himself more that he belongs to this level.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar Added:
“Sometimes you know you are there, but the luck is not with you and things like that. You get a tremendous delivery, great catches all these things can actually make you doubt whether you actually belong there.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Samson had two key partnerships of 52 and 117 with KL Rahul and Tilak Varma, respectively. His century aided the visitors in reaching 296-8 in 50 overs and bowling out the Proteas for 218.
“This century will make him believe he belongs here” – Sunil Gavaskar
Samson’s shot selection was also spot-on, as he chose the proper balls to attack, giving himself a solid chance of success, according to Sunil Gavaskar.
“The standout for me from this innings was his shot selection. In the past, he has gotten out despite getting starts. Today, you couldn’t fault him at all. He was biding his time, waiting for the bad ball, and then getting a hundred.”
“This century will make him believe he belongs here. He has always belonged here, mind you. We all know the talent he has. But somehow he had not delivered, but, today, he delivered, not just for everybody but for himself as well.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Now, starting on December 26, India will focus on the two-Test series.