IND vs SA: Sanju Samson lights up Narendra Modi Stadium with explosive cameo on return to playing XI

Sanju Samson finally got another opportunity in India's playing XI on Friday in the fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad as Shubman Gill was ruled out after sustaining an impact injury to his right foot while practicing in Lucknow in the lead-up to the 4th T20I.

In a high-stakes game, Samson once again proved why he is one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format. Walking out under the lights in Ahmedabad, Samson dismantled the Proteas’ bowling attack with a brisk 37 off just 22 deliveries, playing a pivotal role in helping India gain momentum early in the contest.

Samson’s innings was a masterclass in clean hitting and surgical precision. Operating at a blistering strike rate of 168.18, he wasted no time in finding his rhythm. His knock was punctuated by four crisp boundaries and two towering sixes, which cleared the ropes with the effortless elegance that has become his trademark. 

While he narrowly missed out on a half-century, the impact of his cameo was undeniable. By injecting sudden urgency into the scoring rate, Samson ensured India got off to a flying start, providing the perfect platform for the finishers. This performance further cements his reputation as a clutch player capable of delivering fireworks on the big stage.

He added 63 runs for the opening wicket alongside Abhishek Sharma in just 5.4 overs. The partnership came to a screeching halt when Corbin Bosch nicked Abhishek off to give the visitors an opening. Samson's power-packed knock came to an end after he was cleaned up by slow left-arm orthodox spinner George Linde on the first delivery of the 10th over.

India's XI:

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

Bench
Shubman Gill, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed

Support Staff

Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate, T Dilip, Morne Morkel, Sitanshu Kotak

South Africa's XI:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

Bench

Tristan Stubbs, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Tony de Zorzi, Lutho Sipamla, Kwena Maphaka

Support Staff

Shukri Conrad, Jean-Paul Duminy, Eric Simons, Wandile Gwavu, Albie Morkel