Sanju Samson is a name that has been in the latest cricket news for a long time. He made his international debut in 2015, but since then, he has been in and out of the team, often overlooked for other wicket-keeper-batters. He has been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League, where he plays for Rajasthan Royals, but his domestic form has not always translated into international success.
However, on December 21, 2023, Samson finally had his moment of glory. He scored his maiden ODI century to help India win the series-decider against South Africa in Johannesburg. It was a knock that showcased his talent, temperament, and resilience, as he overcame a difficult phase in his career.
How Sanju Samson Geared Up for His Emotional ODI Century
In this blog post, we will look at how Sanju Samson geared up for his emotional ODI century after being snubbed for the ODI World Cup and the Asian Games, and what it means for his future in Indian cricket.
The disappointment of missing out on the World Cup and the Asian Games
Samson had been left out of the Indian squad for the ODI World Cup at home earlier that year, as well as the Asian Games in China. He had also endured a lean patch in the IPL, where he scored only 362 runs in 14 matches, with a highest of 66*. He admitted that the last few months had been mentally challenging for him, and he had to work hard on his game and his mindset.
“I was very disappointed when I was not picked for the World Cup and the Asian Games. I felt like I had done enough to deserve a chance, but I also understood that there were many other players who were performing well. I did not lose hope, I kept working on my skills and fitness, and tried to stay positive. I knew that if I got an opportunity, I had to make it count,” he said after his century.
The opportunity to prove himself in the ODI series against South Africa
Samson rose to the occasion, and played a sublime innings. He came in at No. 3, after India had lost an early wicket. He started cautiously, but soon unleashed his array of strokes, hitting six fours and three sixes. He shared a 116-run partnership with Tilak Varma, who scored 52, and took India to a competitive total of 296 for 8.
The emotional celebration and the gratitude to his supporters
Samson said that he was very emotional after reaching his hundred, and dedicated it to his family, his coaches, and his fans, who had supported him throughout his journey. He also thanked the team management, especially captain Rohit Sharma, for backing him and giving him the freedom to play his natural game.
“It was a very special moment for me, to score a century for India, and to win the match for the team,” he said. “I was very emotional, I had tears in my eyes. I want to thank my family, my coaches, and my fans, who have always believed in me and supported me. I also want to thank the team management, especially Rohit bhai, who gave me a lot of confidence and told me to play my game. He is a great leader and a great player, and I have learned a lot from him.”
The praise from the cricket fraternity and the prospects for the future
Samson’s century has earned him a lot of praise from the cricket fraternity, and many have hailed him as the future of Indian cricket. This has boosted his chances of making it to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in North America next year, where he can showcase his skills in the shortest format.
Sanju Samson has shown that he has the talent, the technique, and the temperament to succeed at the international level. He has come a long way from being snubbed to scoring a century, and he has a long way to go to achieve his dreams.
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