'Different range player'; High praise for Sanju from former Pakistan star batsman

KOLKATA: Accompanied by four huge sixes and 12 fours, Sanju amassed 97 runs not out from 50 balls at a frenzy-filled Eden Gardens. It was a career-best innings for the Keralite, extending India's World Cup dreams to the semi-finals. Ending the long, languid phase of being out of form, Sanju Samson's match-saving innings turned him into an instant superstar of the nation, with unending praise coming his way from all quarters.

Sanju’s innings even left former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad in awe. Shehzad praised the beautiful innings and said that Sanju’s crucial innings, which made India enter the semis through a record run chase, deserves all the adulation.

The former Pakistan player also said that Sanju's reaction after the match is worth mentioning. Shehzad praised the humble and unassuming attitude of Sanju during the post-match response. Sanju had mentioned watching from the dugouts how Virat and Rohit played during crucial stages of a match. The Keralite said he tried to emulate the same on the pitch.

“He keenly studied the lessons from seniors and put the same to use when India needed him most. This makes him a great player,” said Shehzad.