Sanju Samson will be effective against South African bowling: AB de Villiers

Prior to India’s ODI series against South Africa, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers expressed his faith in Sanju Samson. Sanju made a huge comeback onto the national scene with his return for the forthcoming 50-over series against the Proteas, despite his exclusion from the 2023 World Cup team.

The Kerala batter’s career in One-Day Internationals has been characterized by inconsistent outings since making his debut against Sri Lanka in 2021. In 13 matches, he has amassed 390 runs at an astounding average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104, including three half-centuries. De Villiers voiced confidence about the wicketkeeper-batter’s tenure in South Africa, highlighting his skills as both a wicketkeeper and a batsman.

Every batter will be put to the test because of the slight bounce and movement. However, I believe someone like Sanju Samson will succeed.

“Having him on the squad is fantastic. The South African wickets will be fun for him. He bats with a lofty stance. On his YouTube channel, de Villiers was cited as saying, “And he also gives you an option with the gloves.”

On Sunday, December 17, the India vs. South Africa One-Day Internationals will begin at Johannesburg’s New Wanderers Stadium. The next two games are scheduled for December 19 and 21 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha and Boland Park in Paarl. Notably, as per their request to the board, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be playing for the squad during the white-ball series.

Starting on December 10, Suryakumar Yadav will captain India in the Twenty20 International series against South Africa. Three ODIs and two Test matches are part of the tour. The ted-ball matches will take place in Cape Town on January 3 and in Centurion on December 26. Leading the ODI team will be KL Rahul. Mohammed Shami’s participation, meanwhile, is contingent upon his health, as he is currently receiving essential medical care.