Sanju Samson Shines in T20I Comeback Against South Africa
Samson's Return to the Squad
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson made a notable return to the Indian cricket team during the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19. He stepped into the playing XI after vice-captain Shubman Gill was sidelined due to a minor injury.
Previous Exclusion and Team Dynamics
Samson had been absent from the first three matches of the T20I series, as the coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir, opted for Jitesh Sharma instead. This decision sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Since Shubman Gill's return during the Asia Cup 2025, Samson had been shifted from the opener position to the middle order, despite his impressive record of three T20I centuries as a top-order batsman.
Struggles and Comeback Performance
Due to inconsistency in the middle order, Samson was dropped from the playing XI, with Jitesh Sharma taking over the wicketkeeping duties. However, he seized the opportunity to return to the lineup when Gill was ruled out, showcasing his skills effectively.
Samson's Impactful Comeback
Upon his return, Sanju Samson made an immediate impact, partnering with Abhishek Sharma to put pressure on the South African bowlers. The duo built a solid 63-run opening partnership, with Samson displaying an aggressive batting style. They scored 19 runs off Marco Jansen's over, propelling India to 63 runs during the powerplay. Samson's innings included a six and several boundaries, setting a strong tone for the match.
Milestones Achieved
Samson continued his innings alongside Tilak Varma, reaching a commendable fifty before being dismissed by George Linde. He concluded his innings with a score of 37 runs off 22 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 168.18. This performance also marked a significant milestone for him, as he crossed the 1000-run mark in T20I cricket, achieving this feat a decade after his debut against Zimbabwe in 2015.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
Fans expressed their excitement over Samson's return and his impactful performance, calling for his reinstatement as an opener for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Many noted that he outperformed Shubman Gill in a single match, highlighting the need for his inclusion in the starting lineup. Social media was abuzz with praise for his batting style and calls for him to be a permanent fixture in the team.
Team India's Performance
India posted an impressive total of 231/5 in their innings, with Tilak Varma contributing a stellar 73 runs off 42 balls and forming a crucial 105-run partnership with Hardik Pandya, who scored 63 runs off just 25 balls. The South African bowlers struggled against the Indian batting lineup, with several bowlers conceding over 10 runs per over.