AB de Villiers opens up on Sanju Samson’s return in Indian ODI squad for South Africa tour

In the wake of numerous thrills and spills, Sanju Samson is poised to return to the international stage as he successfully sealed his spot in the Indian squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of South Africa. Following the notable announcement, legendary cricketer AB de Villiers has shared his insights on Samson’s resurgence in the ODI format and offered thoughtful reflections on how the dynamic cricketer’s performance will shape up in the imminent encounters.

As the fans eagerly await for the high-voltage clashes between these two cricketing powerhouses, the return of the proficient wicket-keeper batter adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the forthcoming bilateral series, promising riveting moments on the cricketing landscape.

‘He will enjoy the South African wickets’: AB de Villiers on Sanju Samson

De Villiers expressed his delight on Samson’s return to the team, anticipating that the skilful batter would thrive on South African wickets. The stalwart noted the 29-year-old’s ability to stand tall while batting and suggested that the challenging conditions in South Africa could bring out the best in him. Additionally, the 39-year-old highlighted Samson’s versatility of providing an option with the gloves when needed.

“It’s great to see him (Samson) in the team. He will enjoy the South African wickets. He stands tall when he bats. There’s a bit of bounce and movement and all the batters will be tested. But someone like Sanju, I think, will do well. And he also gives you an option with the gloves,” De Villiers opined in a video posted by on his YouTube channel.

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Sanju Samson’s ODI journey

Making his debut in the ODI format during the India tour of Sri Lanka tour in 2021, Samson’s journey has been marked by fluctuations in team inclusion. Across 13 games, the Kerala-based cricketer has amassed a total of 390 runs, boasting an impressive average of 55.71 and a noteworthy strike-rate of 104. His contributions include three half-centuries, with a notable highest score of 86 not out.

As a fresh opportunity beckons on the horizon, Samson will be focused on showcasing his prowess, aiming to solidify his place in the Indian team permanently. The upcoming challenges present a platform for the talented cricketer to bring forth his best and make a lasting impact in the national colours.

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