Sun Nov 10 07:37:55 UTC 2024: ## Former Proteas Star AB de Villiers Hails Sanju Samson’s Talent, Predicts He Will Excel in All Formats
**Mumbai:** Renowned South African cricketer and former Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers has declared his admiration for Indian batsman Sanju Samson, stating that the Kerala-born talent deserves a spot in the Indian team across all three formats.
De Villiers, considered one of the most destructive batsmen in the history of T20 cricket, lauded Samson’s recent stellar performances, particularly his century against South Africa in the first T20I, which secured a comfortable victory for India. He expressed his belief that Samson’s abilities are evident to the selectors and expressed his desire to see him feature prominently for India in all formats.
“Sanju has shifted gears,” said De Villiers, emphasizing that Samson is a player with exceptional talent and potential. “I believe the selectors are watching his performances closely and will recognize his abilities. I truly want to see him represent India in all formats. Sanju is a special player, capable of excelling in any situation and in any format across the globe. I sense a shift in him, something influencing his game.”
De Villiers went on to praise Samson’s maturity as a player and his ability to analyze and understand the game, stating that he has found a key element in his career. He further added that Samson has another gear within him and is eagerly awaiting the moment when he unlocks that sixth gear.
“I don’t underestimate anyone on the coaching staff, including the likes of VVS Laxman, Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Monty Morke. But Sanju has truly established himself as a mature player, and this is a significant moment in his career. It’s exciting for his fans. I believe there’s another gear in him, a sixth gear, and I’m waiting to see him unleash it.”
He further expressed his pride and joy in seeing Samson’s recent success, emphasizing his long-standing admiration for the batsman. De Villiers particularly recalled a century Samson scored against his former team RCB at the Chinnaswamy stadium, where he recognized Samson’s potential as a truly special player.
“A century in the T20 format, and that too consecutively, is a remarkable feat. I am extremely proud of his achievement. I have a personal connection with Sanju and his achievements fill me with pride. I have been a huge fan of his for years. His style is something I really appreciate. I hope he continues to perform at his best.”
De Villiers concluded by pointing out Samson’s generally conservative approach in his batting, which he believes contributed to the exceptionally quick pace of his recent centuries, particularly the second one.
“I haven’t seen him bat with a strike rate over 200 very often. He has a conservative approach in his batting. His usual strike rate is around 140-160. The way he achieved these two centuries, especially the second one, was remarkable,” said De Villiers.
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