Kolkata, Mar 1 (UNI) India captain Suryakumar Yadav paid glowing tribute to opener Sanju Samson after his impactful half century helped the side sail into the ongoing T20 World Cup semifinals.
Surya termed that Sanju’s unbeaten 97 as a ‘courageous knock’ and a just reward for perseverance after a challenging year.
“I always say good things happen to good people and at the right time. No better time, no better stage for someone like him to step up and give the team what the team required.
“The moment he came into the side, I think the first thing which he said amongst the group when we sat together was, ‘let’s do something which the team wants, not what you want,” Suryakumar said in the video posted by the BCCI on their social media accounts on Monday.
He also reflected on Samson’s turbulent 12 months in international cricket, especially after losing his place in the side in the build-up to the T20 World Cup.
“That comes with experience and also over his life, he’s seen so many ups and downs. I don’t want to take you back to what happened in the whole year – losing his position, batting out of position, and then coming back batting at the same position.
“It’s not easy to win the World Cup. The World Cups, the ICC tournaments, the games which you play in ICC tournaments are won by courageous people, and this was a courageous knock. He can already get carried away by a good start, but then the way he was batting, he held one side together, took the team through.
“He deserves all the credit. I’m very happy for him, his wife, his family back home, and all the people who love him, support him. We’re just one more step closer. Hopefully, this may continue. I have a lot of things to say, but then, I’m very happy. He deserves everything,” he elaborated.
Amid the heartfelt praise, Samson responded with humour. “Rulayega kya pagle? (Will you make me cry?),” said Samson to Suryakumar, as the duo broke into laughter.
