'This hundred is going to change his career': Sunil Gavaskar offers his verdict on Sanju Samson

South Africa won toss and decided to bowl in third ODI of India vs. South Africa series in 2023. India won comfortably, scoring 296/8 in 50 overs while South Africa scored 218 runs in 45.5 overs, giving India a 78-run victory. Sanju Samson of India finished with 108 runs off 114 balls, while Tony de Zorzi of South Africa produced 81 runs off 87 balls. Arshdeep Singh of India grabbed four wickets for 30 runs in nine overs, while Beuran Hendricks of South Africa took three wickets for 63 runs in nine overs.  

3 things you need to know 

• India beat South Africa in 3rd ODI by 78 runs 
• Sanju Samson was named Player of Match 
• Arshdeep Singh was named Player of Series 

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Sunil Gavaskar me a huge statement on Sanju Samson’s knock against South Africa

Sunil Gavaskar, renowned batting genius, backed Sanju Samson even before strong batsman turned his precisely built half-century into a three-figure total against Aiden Markram's South Africa in Paarl on Thursday. renowned Indian cricketer also vised prolific Samson to be cautious with his smashes, especially after a mistimed stroke nearly resulted in a wicket-taking opportunity for Proteas during 3rd One Day International (ODI) at Boland Park.

Samson endured many disappointments in 2023 season after serving as understudy to wicketkeeper KL Rahul at Asia Cup, only to lose out on a ticket in World Cup. However, he eventually silenced his detractors with a stunning effort in series finale against South Africa. Samson's first century bolstered his case for inclusion in limited-overs format, sealing a historic triumph over a Rohit Sharma-less Team India in South Africa. Samson, who is known for his aggressive batting style, played a perfect ODI performance, winning plaudits from former Indian captain Gavaskar. Speaking to Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar, said: 

“ standout for me from this innings was his shot selection. In past, he has gotten out despite getting starts. Today, you couldn't fault him at all, he was biding his time, waiting for b ball, and n getting a hundred. I think this hundred is going to change his career. One, he will get more opportunities because of this hundred,”

"Secondly, I think he will also start to believe in himself more that he belongs to this level. Sometimes you know you are re, but luck is not with you and things like that. You get a tremendous delivery, and a great catch, all se things can make you doubt wher you actually belong re. This century will make him believe he belongs here. He has always belonged here, mind you. We all know talent he has. But somehow he h not delivered, but today he delivered not just for everybody but for himself as well," 

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What’s next for Team India?

Team India will now be seen in action against South Africa in 2-match Test series, which will start on December 26, 2023. 

India’s squ for South Africa Tests: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikw, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk)