'Shirt stitched of sweat and hard work': Sanju Samson posts a heartfelt message after India's T20 World Cup selection
‘Shirt stitched of sweat and hard work’: Sanju Samson posts a heartfelt message after India’s T20 World Cup selection
NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson shared a heartfelt message on social media upon being named in the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Samson’s dedication and performance as captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) paid off, earning him a spot alongside Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batsman in the national squad.
After the squad announcement, the Kerala-born cricketer took to Instagram and posted in Malayalam, “Viyarpu Thuniyitta Kuppayam,” which translates to “Shirt stitched of sweat and hard work.”
Samson debuted in T20 Internationals in 2015 against Zimbabwe, but opportunities were scarce over the years due to tough competition, including the presence of MS Dhoni and Pant in the wicketkeeper role, alongside his own inconsistency. His T20I record belies his talent, with 374 runs in 25 matches at an average of 18.70 and a strike rate of 133.09, including one fifty and a high score of 77.
Yet, Samson’s IPL performances have consistently showcased his prowess. With 4,273 runs in 161 matches at an average of 30.96 and a strike rate of 139.04, including three centuries and 24 fifties, his contribution is undeniable.
This IPL season appears to be his best, with Rajasthan Royals leading the table with eight wins in nine games, and Samson displaying remarkable consistency, amassing 385 runs at an average of 77.00 and a strike rate exceeding 161, featuring four half-centuries, including an unbeaten 82*. He currently stands as the seventh-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
His competitors for the wicketkeeper-batsman role, KL Rahul, captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Pant, have also performed admirably in the IPL. Rahul has scored 406 runs in 10 matches at an average of 40.60 and a strike rate of 142.95, with three half-centuries, including a high score of 82*. Pant follows closely as the fifth-highest run-scorer, tallying 398 runs in nine matches at an average of 44.22 and a strike rate of 158.56, also with three half-centuries, including an unbeaten 88*.
ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule
India find itself in Group A of the upcoming T20 World Cup, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. Their campaign kicks off on June 5 against Ireland at the newly-constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9.
(Inputs from ANI)
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