Who said what - Top 5 expert reactions to Sanju Samson's hundred in 3rd IND vs BAN T20I ft. Aakash Chopra
Indian keeper-batter Sanju Samson returned with his finest international knock on Saturday (October 12) in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. He slammed 111 off 47, with 11 fours and eight sixes, to help India register their highest-ever T20I score of 297.
Following India's dominating victory of 133 runs, the cricket fraternity flocked to their social media channels to praise Samson for his sensational knock.
An on-song Samson scored the second-fastest (40 balls) T20I hundred by an Indian batter. He also helped the side record their fastest 100, 150, 200 in the shortest format.
After scoring ducks in both appearances in the Sri Lanka series, Sanju Samson was under pressure to perform against Bangladesh. After failing to make the most of the opportunity in the first two games, he finally delivered in the third T20I by scoring his maiden T20I hundred.
On that note, let's take a look at the top expert reactions to Samson's whirlwind knock against Bangladesh.
#1 Aakash Chopra
Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra hailed Sanju Samson as "the phenomenon". He pointed out his five back-to-back sixes against Rishad Hossain and also picked his favorite shot of Samson during the game.
Chopra also thought this was an important knock for Samson, as the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad were also probable opening contenders for the Indian T20I team.
Here's what Chopra said on his official YouTube channel:
"Sanju Samson, the phenomenon. He has a silken touch in this batting which is extremely pleasing to the eyes. After his six over covers against Mustafizur Rahman, I was like, wow. It was an important innings, well done Samson."
#2 Ahmad Shahzad
Ahmad Shahzad took to his official YouTube channel to praise the Indian batter. Then he termed Sanju Samson a "classy" batter and lavished praise on his ability to score runs in any part of the ground.
Shahzad said:
"Sanju Samson played a sensational knock in Hyderabad. He can score runs all around the park, but my personal favorite was his six towards the extra cover. He is such a classy batter, but hasn't got consistent opportunities."
#3 Wasim Jaffer
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer took to X to congratulate India for their positive intent, which helped them play their natural game and record a big victory. He then applauded Samson for leading India's charge in their onslaught against Bangladesh.
Jaffer tweeted:
"It's amazing what can happen when you free your mind of all the limitations and just express yourself. It's what Team India did today. Well played and congratulations @IamSanjuSamsonon a swashbuckling ton 🙌🏻 👏🏻#INDvBAN."
#4 Mohammad Kaif
Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif termed Sanju Samson, an "x-factor" for the team. As per him, the knock will keep Samson in contention for the future series.
Here's what he posted on X:
"What a 💯, india needs players who bring X factor. Sanju Samson is here to stay."
#5 Basit Ali
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali thought a few shots of Sanju Samson were akin to what Virender Sehwag used to play during his career. He pointed out the trigger moment for Samson, where he hit four consecutive boundaries off Taskin Ahmed.
Furthermore, Ali lauded head coach Gautam Gambhir for trusting Samson as an opener, which reaped fruits for the batter and the team. He said (via his official YouTube channel):
"Sanju Samson hit three shots today which were a true copy of Virender Sehwag. His six towards the extra-cover and cut shot reminded me of Sehwag. His forearm is very strong. Although, he started slow but when he hit multiple boundaries against Taskin, he never stopped. Well played Sanju. Credit to Gautam Gambhir as well for trusting Samson as an opener for all three games."