IPL 2023: Harbhajan Singh Praises Sanju Samson, Likens Rajasthan Royals Skipper To MS Dhoni

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Ahmedabad, April 17: Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh impressed with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson following match-turning performance against Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2023 on Sunday (April 16).

Rajasthan Royals pulled off a memorable run chase and handed defending champions Gujarat Titans their second straight loss at home - the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Royals fought back from 4 for 2 to secure fourth win of season.

It was the Royals skipper Samson who led the charge for Rajasthan after his team was pushed against the wall early on. After Samson laid the platform, Shimron Hetmyer completed the chase of 178 with 3 wickets in hand and 4 balls to spare.

There has been much debate about his inclusion in the national side, but Harbhajan has said with every passing day, he keeps on impressing and therefore Samson deserves to be a permanent member of the Indian side in white-ball format.

Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live Show, Harbhajan said, "We've seen another captain's knock from Sanju. I have said in the past and still believe that he should be a regular feature in the Indian national side (in white ball format)."

Former India spinner Harbhajan said the wicketkeeper-batter shows a lot of maturity in his game and the turbanator also likened him to Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the way he handles pressure.

"He plays spinners and fast bowlers with equal ease. He knows how to absorb pressure and is a strong-willed player. He has faith in his abilities, just like MS Dhoni," Harbhajan added.

With his knock of 60 from 32 balls that included 6 sixes and 3 fours, Samson became the first player to score over 3000 runs for the Rajastha Royals franchise in IPL.

In 115 matches for Royals in IPL, Samson has amassed 3006 runs, including 2 hundreds and 16 fifties, at an average of 29.76 and a strike rate of 139.10. The Royals legend has struck 142 sixes and 238 fours so far.

In the IPL, Samson has scored 3683 runs, including 3 hundreds and 19 fifties during his stint at Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. He has 290 fours and 169 sixes in his IPL career so far.