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Sanju Samson joins Kohli, Rohit on elite list with massive milestone in IND vs SA 5th T20I

Debashis Sarangi

Sanju Samson in action [Source: AFP]Sanju Samson in action [Source: AFP]

In a phenomenal achievement, Sanju Samson brought up 1000 runs in T20I cricket. The destructive keeper-batter, who replaced Shubman Gill as an opener, attained the landmark during India's ongoing fifth T20I against South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Samson joins Kohli, Rohit and others in 1000-run club

Sanju Samson initially couldn't find a place in the Indian T20I XI, with the hosts preferring Shubman Gill as their opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, an unfortunate injury to Gill opened the comeback doors for Samson, who needed just five runs to complete 1000 runs in the shortest format. 

The Kerala batter opened his account with a single before hitting a gorgeous six off Marco Jansen to bring up the milestone. He took 44 innings to complete 1000 runs, becoming the 14th Indian player to do so. Added to that, he is the joint-third fastest Indian batter, in terms of balls faced, to enter the 1000-run club in T20Is. 

Fastest to 1000 runs for India in T20Is (by balls faced)

  • 528 - Abhishek Sharma
  • 573 - Suryakumar Yadav
  • 679 - Hardik Pandya
  • 679 - Sanju Samson*
  • 686 - KL Rahul

As mentioned above, Abhishek Sharma has taken the least number of balls to complete 1000 runs, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav claims the second place. Explosive finisher Hardik Pandya took 679 balls, same as Samson, who unlocked the feat in the decider against South Africa. 

A golden chance for Samson to prove his worth

Sanju Samson was sidelined from India's T20I XI, with Shubman Gill making a comeback ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, Gill's rough T20I form could be a blessing in disguise for Samson, as the latter desperately needs a breakthrough knock to cement his place in the team. As of writing, Samson and Abhishek had given a flying start to India, with the hosts comfortably placed at 56 for none in 5.1 overs.