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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Sanju Samson replaced Shubman Gill in the fifth T20I between India and South Africa. The game is being played in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19.
Opening the batting, Sanju Samson played a blazing knock. He slammed a quickfire 22-ball 37 with four boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 168.18. Gill was ruled out due to a foot injury, which allowed Samson an opportunity.
The CSK star made the most and showcased his abilities at the top of the order. He would be disappointed to have not converted the start into a bigger score. However, fans lauded Samson for his superb knock and even reckoned that it was better to have him open over Gill in T20Is.
"Sanju is a MVP in shortest format, can play in any positions, can give a flying start in opening. Utter stupidity to choose Gill over him. Samson will go further higher as he gonna start his stint with CSK and Thala Dhoni. Happy for Chetta. Been following him since 2014," a fan wrote on X.Sanju is a MVP in shortest format, can play in any positions, can give a flying start in opening. Utter stupidity to choose Gill over him. Samson will go further higher as he gonna start his stint with CSK and Thala Dhoni. Happy for Chetta. Been following him since 2014.
Below are some other reactions from fans on X -
Impact speaks louder than chances. As an opener Sanju Samson proved today that when given responsibility he delivers with intent and class. 👏🔥
Well done Sanju Samson 👍I can understand how much pressure it was to perform in a single chance.37 runs in 22 balls with 168 strike rate is what fans expect from an opener.Now pressure is on Shubman Gill.#INDvSA #INDvsSA
Got the opportunity at his favourable batting position after a long time and made it count. Well played, Sanju Samson! 👏#SanjuSamson #INDvSA #INDvsSA #INDvSA
After long time opening partner scored at better strike than Abhishek Sharma. Sanju Samson played very good. See the run rate
A good knock comes to an end. But he did well with the limited chances he got in this series. Well played, Sanju Samson. I hope you get consistent runs.
Samson's terrific knock set the platform for India in the powerplay. The hosts eventually got to a massive total of 231/5 from their 20 overs.
Sanju Samson has had limited opportunities in T20Is in 2025
Sanju Samson has had limited opportunities in T20Is in 2025 since Shubman Gill returned to the side as an opener. Before Gill's return, Samson and Abhishek Sharma were India's designated opening pair in the format.
Samson has played 15 T20Is this year. In 11 innings, he has scored 222 runs at an average of 20.18 and a strike rate of 126.85. When he opened the batting in 2024, he had a remarkable performance, making 436 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.60 and a strike rate of 180.16, showing a clear difference in numbers.
Overall, Samson has featured in 52 T20Is so far. In 44 innings, he has scored 1032 runs at an average of 25.80 and a strike rate of 148.06 with three hundreds and as many half-centuries.
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Edited by Rishab Vm
English (US)