NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s cricketer Ahmad Shahzad took to his YouTube channel to heap praise on Sanju Samson‘s awe-inspiring knock in the first T20I against South Africa on Friday, urging India to recognize the respect he deserves after his recent T20 heroics in Durban.
Shahzad, clearly impressed, remarked that he should be getting regular chances from now on.
“Sanju really deserves a lot more credit now because his recent performances are anything but ordinary. Whether he’s playing with the younger team or the senior team, it doesn’t matter—scoring two consecutive centuries in international matches is no small feat,” the Pakistani batter remarked.
“If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it. But Sanju has set this record for himself, and that’s a huge deal for his career. The opportunity he hasn’t gotten so far—well, after this performance, he definitely deserves it.”
Furthermore, Shahzad went on to demand more respect for the 29-year-old batter, saying, “He now deserves all the respect from India. Scoring two centuries in two matches is not easy, and by doing it, he’s pretty much saying, ‘Kyun hila dala na (Hey, ain’t you surprised?)”
Master Blaster Sanju Samson on Fire – India Crush South Africa
Samson’s fiery innings against South Africa featured a remarkable 107 runs off just 50 balls, including 10 massive 6s and seven 4s.
His relentless aggression kept the South African bowlers, including Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, on the back foot.
With a strike rate above 200, Samson’s knock wasn’t just about the numbers—it was a statement, reminding fans and selectors of his immense potential.
The innings placed Samson in elite company, joining the likes of Gustav McKeon, Rilee Rossouw, and Phil Salt as players to have scored consecutive hundreds in T20Is.
Additionally, with his three 50+ scores, Samson now stands alongside top Indian wicket-keepers in T20 history, outpacing even MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in this regard.
India’s win by 61 runs in the opening T20I was cemented by Samson’s record-breaking innings and an impressive display from India’s bowlers.
South Africa, chasing a daunting target of 203, crumbled under the pressure, managing only 141 all out in under 18 overs.
India lock horns against the Proteas once again on Sunday for the second T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.