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'Have Been Working Hard For All These Years' - Sanju Samson After Match-Winning Century

image-lqflly8oSanju Samson in action against SA in third ODI (AP)

Indian batsman Sanju Samson doused a high-flying South African attack with an epic 108 in the series-deciding third ODI at Paarl’s Boland Park. The innings turned out to be a match-winning one for the Indian team, as they sealed their three-match ODI rubber by a 2-1 margin.

Samson’s innings also marked his maiden international hundred, and he was fittingly adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts.

During the presentation ceremony, the 29-year-old reflected his match-winning knock, signified the value of ODIs and praised India’s next generation of cricketers citing Tilak Varma’s example.

Samson praises Varma after match-winning stand

Sanju Samson emphasised team’s intent and willingness of winning the ODI series in South Africa after the hosts enforced a decider by handing the ‘Men in Blue’ a drubbing-and-a-half at Port Elizabeth.

The cricketer also reflected his own match-winning performance, and described it as a result of his years of hard work and dedication. While speaking at the post-match presentation, he said:

“Yeah, especially when the series was 1-1, we all wanted to win it. I have been working really hard, well, not to say it, to be honest, I have been working hard for all these years, not only for the last two months. Proud of it, especially considering the result as well.”

Sanju Samson also signified the benefits of ODI cricket for batsmen, considering the format allows each top-order batter some extra time at the start of their innings to get accustomed to the conditions. The right-hander himself consumed 90 balls to score his first 64 runs, before going berserk in the backend by scoring 44 runs off the next 24 balls to finish at his career-best ODI score of 108. He added:

“This format gives you some extra time to understand the wicket and the bowler’s mindset. Batting at the top of the order gives you those 10-20 extra deliveries.”

The wicketkeeper-batsman further praised young Tilak Varma after the two had formed a match-defining 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sanju Samson claimed that youngsters like Tilak are stepping up in the country by following the standards set by the current senior members of the side.

“The whole country is very proud of how Tilak Varma has stepped up, lot more to expect from him. The seniors have set the standards of Indian cricket, and the juniors are coming in and doing the job.”

Samson will now fly back to India, as the tour’s narrative will now shift to the much-awaited two-match Test series.