Indian wicket-keeper-batsman Sanju Samson faced another setback in the second SA vs IND ODI, succumbing to a low score of 12 runs off 23 balls as South African pacer Beuran Hendricks clean bowled him. The dismissal occurred in the 32nd over when Hendricks delivered a length ball, angling away from Samson. Attempting to guide it towards the third-man region, Samson’s edge saw the ball crash into the stumps.
India, already leading the three-match series 1-0 after a convincing eight-wicket victory in the first ODI in Johannesburg, faced early challenges as they lost four wickets for just 136 runs. With Sanju Samson’s dismissal, the onus shifted to skipper KL Rahul to guide the team to a competitive first innings total.
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Leading up to the 2023 ODI World Cup, there was substantial criticism from Indian cricket fans regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to exclude Sanju Samson from the prominent ICC event. However, Samson’s performance in the second ODI served as a reality check for those who had advocated for his inclusion.
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A closer look at India’s South African tour reveals a leveled three-match T20I series, where the first match was washed out, South Africa claimed victory in the second, and India managed to square the contest in the third. The upcoming challenge for the Indian team lies in a two-match Test series scheduled after the third ODI on December 21, offering them an opportunity to accumulate crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
Sanju Samson, initially included as a backup player for the 2023 Asia Cup, faced uncertainties as KL Rahul returned to the squad, leading to Samson’s exclusion. Additionally, he secured a county contract but encountered setbacks, ultimately finding himself named as a backup player for the Asia Cup 2023 squad.
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While Samson’s journey has seen its share of challenges, his presence in the Indian squad remains significant. The ongoing series against South Africa provides a platform for Sanju Samson to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success, potentially reshaping the narrative of his international career.
