Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India batter Sanju Samson was a relieved man after he reached his maiden ODI ton in the third and deciding game against Proteas at the Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday. After reaching the three-figure mark, the cricketer from Kerala celebrated by flexing his biceps. It was a message to his detractors that he is more than capable to make his mark in international cricket. The hundred will give Samson the much-needed lifeline as far as this level of cricket is concerned.
“I’m proud of it, considering the result (of the match won by India),” Sanju told the official broadcaster after the decider was won primarily because of his knock.
He added, “I have been working hard, here in South Africa, and also for the last couple of months. This format gives you some time to understand the wicket and the bowler’s mindset. Batting at the top of the order gives you those 10-20 extra deliveries. I tried to do that. Good to see my efforts paying off.”
Sanju was extremely disappointed after the 50 over World Cup snub. Moving forward he realised what was his undoing, the lack of big scores. So, he decided to work on certain aspects of his game with his personal coach Bijumon in his hometown Thiruvananthapuram. The hard yards Sanju put in the nets have now started to pay dividends as he scored his maiden hundred (108 off 114) against the Proteas.
Sanju was part of a pre-season camp with the Kerala team in Thiruvananthapuram. It was held at the same time when the Indian team was in the city to play a warm up game against the Netherlands. Bijumom was also with him in the Kerala camp, working closely with him.
The Rajasthan Royals skipper worked on his technique to be successful on South African wickets. He practiced on hard wicket at the National Cricket Academy. The biggest transformation that Sanju brought in his game is the discipline. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he played a patient hundred (128 off 139 balls) against Railways in a tricky chase.
The wicketkeeper batter was promoted up the batting order in the final ODI. Batting at No.3 on South African pitches can be challenging, but at the same time, it is an opportunity to anchor the innings and take the team to a big score. That is what Sanju did.
With the maiden ODI hundred under his belt let us all hope that Sanju have the best years of his career ahead.