IND vs SA: Dynamite Sanju Samson explodes on the T20 big stage with a heavy ton | Opinion

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Nobody has faced more scrutiny than Sanju Samson in Indian cricket. Despite his runs and tons, he had been labelled as someone who chokes and fails on the big stage. No, you cannot say that again, as Sanju came out smoking on Friday night against South Africa.

He became the first Indian batter to carve out back-to-back tons in T20 internationals, a rare feat. He had the SA bowlers literally at his feet as he launched shots which were audacious as well as accurate. T20 is murder, a slaughter of sorts for the bowlers. Yet, all this is not possible unless the batter comes out with sublime stuff.

There has been immense disappointment for Indian cricket fans in recent weeks after the flop show against the Black Caps in the Test series. Yet, to move on, in a different format, has been enchanting.

And one man has shown he can be ruthless at the top as Sanju was on song. Even those who had switched off from cricket after a dull showing in Tests, bounced back to watch this T20 match. Sanju on fire, smoking the bowler and making the scoreboard jump, this was Biblical batting, like his surname.

A 100 off 47 balls, which drew comparisons with his previous ton against Bangladesh recently in a T20 international, Sanju Samson was hammering the bowlers. One had to feel sad for Nqaba Peter, who came in for copious flak.

The execution of massive shots, even with the field being spread out, showed Sanju was creating his own geometry in shot production and how the aerial route is to be taken.

All this was unmindful of how strong and competitive a side the Proteas are at home. In the past, Indians feared playing in SA. No, not any more, as Sanju forged productive partnerships with skipper Suryakumar Yadav as well as Tilak Varma.

A short bit on Sanju Samson. He is no youngster, nor is he a greenhorn. Sanju has been with Indian cricket for a long time. His journey began in Delhi, then he moved to Kerala. In the good old days, people laughed when you said a cricketer came from Kerala.

No, not with Sanju Samson. He has been rare, like a gem. Just that his shine is now being seen more prominently. You cannot blame him for it, really. There has been no depth of batters in the Indian T20 squad and Sanju's positions was shuffled. It is in the opener's slot, seemingly late in his career, Sanju has stepped up.

To bat lower down and then shift to opening slot is very different. It requires a change in mindset. Sanju has done whatever it takes to adapt and perform. The catharsis is complete, which is visible from what Sanju is now producing, real heavy artillery stuff with the bat.

The Indian T20 team is in transition and Sanju has shown selectors he will keep reminding them with his knocks. Perhaps, if someone has shown maximum faith in Sanju, it is Rajasthan Royals, an IPL franchise where he has blossomed. His romance with the Jaipur-based team and now Indian cricket is in full bloom. Enjoy it.