Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson says he is enjoying keeping wickets and batting for his country. Sanju’s words are of importance as it denotes his willingness to keep the wickets and stay in contention for the second wicket-keeper slot.
With Rishabh Pant being the first-choice wicket-keeper, there is a heavy competition going on for the slot of the second wicket-keeper for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia in December. However, Sanju’s good performance with the gloves and bat would give his confidence a world of good as the competition gets heavier.
Sanju Samson said "It was so touching" – after signing the match ball to the kid who is fighting against cancer. pic.twitter.com/ibFEMn1sIU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 20, 2022
Sanju won ‘Player of the Match for his brilliant 43 not out off 39 balls. His knock comprised of three fours and four sixes. He walked into the crease when India was reeling at 97/4 while chasing Zimbabwe’s 161. However, he stitched together an impressive 56-run partnership with all-rounder Deepak Hooda for the fifth wicket to guide team India home.
“How much ever time you spend in the middle, it makes you feel good. Even more special to do it for the country. I did take three catches, but I missed a stumping. Really enjoy keeping and batting. I think they (Indian bowlers) were bowling really good areas. A lot of balls came nicely to me,” said Sanju in a post-match conference.
Sanju’s knock helped India to clinch the series 2-0 with one more match to play. Incidentally, this is the first Player of the Match award for the 27-year-old cricketer from Kerala, who made his debut in 2015.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 161 in 38.1 overs (Sean Williams 42, Ryan Burl 41 not out, Shardul Thakur 3/38) lost to India 167/5 in 25.4 overs (Sanju Samson 43 not out, Shubman Gill 33, Luke Jongwe 2/33).
