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A courageous 108! Samson’s stunning ton on Protea soil that left critics speechless

Poulomi Chakraborty

Sanju Samson's 108 vs South Africa (Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com)Sanju Samson's 108 vs South Africa (Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com)

Indian cricket has always been blessed with legendary wicketkeeper-batters, from Rahul Dravid’s class to MS Dhoni’s brilliance and Rishabh Pant’s explosive fire. In the star-studded lineup, Sanju Samson has quietly been carving his own niche.

With unreal reflex behind the stumps decked up with some real power-hitting qualities, Samson utilized all the given opportunities. But cricket, as always, has its twists of fate. As India unveiled the squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, the shock exclusion of Sanju Samson immediately grabbed headlines

Rishabh Pant's selection over him has sparked outrage, as two years back, Samson smashed a classic ton against the Proteas that also on South African soil. Let’s relive Samson’s heroics that helped India to thrive on the South African surface.

Samson rises from the ashes to rescue India

Over the years, Indian cricket has celebrated some of the best wicketkeeper-batters, but the fate has taken some fateful turns for Sanju Samson. After Dhoni retired, Rishabh Pant took over, yet debates rage over whether Samson ever got a fair shot to prove he could be India’s long-term keeper-batter.

Despite being one of the most consistent players of the current side, Sanju Samson has been snubbed from the squad for some bizarre, unknown reasons. With every given chance, the batter thrived with all his intent, letting his bat talk.

Even after multiple times he proved his worth, the Kerala star and his heartbreaking story of being snubbed continued. After being snubbed by the previous ODI series against Australia, he failed a secure his place in the squad of the upcoming ODI series against South Africa.

But in 2023, when India travelled to South Africa, Sanju Samson’s courageous hundred flipped the result of the series. That innings served as a sharp reminder to selectors who once doubted his talent.

A fearless century echoes loudly across South Africa

After the series was tied with a 1-1 margin, the third ODI match was the decider, and Sanju Samson’s brilliance turned the tide on India’s side. Batting first, India faced an early blow after losing Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan early on. After captain KL Rahul joined Samson on the field, the duo stitched a 52-run partnership.

But after Rahul’s dismissal, Tilak Varma joined him, and Samson crafted a 66-ball fifty. Pushing India towards a strong total, Sanju tore apart the South African bowling attack. After Tilak scored a fifty, Samson smashed a brilliant century in 110 balls.

As the Protea bowlers were just waiting for the perfect moment to send him back, Lizaad Williams sent him back in the 46th over as his dominating innings ended in 108 runs in 114 balls with six boundaries and three over-boundaries.

That innings wasn’t just a boost for India on Protea soil; it was a masterclass. Facing fierce bounce and hostile conditions, Samson made the impossible look easy. As he faced another questionable snub, there will be another big stage where he will shine again.