Cricket

Anvay Dravid, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, has been included in the Karnataka probable list for the under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, scheduled to commence on December 6. The wicketkeeper-batter is one of three wicketkeepers named in the 35-member list, alongside Aditya Jha and Joy James.Anvay's selection is a testament to his impressive performances at the youth level. Last year, he captained the state under-14 side in the inter-zone meet and recently scored an unbeaten 200 for Bangalore Zone against Tumkur Zone in the KSCA Under-16 Inter Zonal tournament. His elder brother, Samit, is currently representing Karnataka in the Cooch Behar Trophy against Baroda.The under-16 team will be coached by former state players Kunal Kapoor (head coach) and Adithya B Sagar (bowling coach).Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has revealed that captain Sanju Samson played a key role in the franchise's retention strategy for the IPL 2025. Samson, who is the team's wicketkeeper-batter and captain, was the first pick along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma."We have decided that we will do six out of six retentions. We will retain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma. We came to this decision because we trust our talent. We also trust that we want to maintain and build with that core," Dravid said.

Former Indian all-rounders Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri have heaped praise on wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his scintillating century in the first T20I against South Africa. Samson's blistering knock of 107 off just 50 balls powered India to a commanding 61-run victory in Durban.Samson, who has been given a new lease of life as an opener, has now become the first Indian and fourth overall to score consecutive centuries in T20Is. His remarkable feat has earned him accolades from cricket legends."Sanju you beauty! Such a treat to watch that stroke play Very well played @IamSanjuSamson #IndVSSa," tweeted Yuvraj Singh.Ravi Shastri also took to Twitter to express his admiration for Samson's performance. "Sanjooo..... Samsonnn. Special. #SanjuSamson #SAvsIND," he wrote.Samson's century in Durban was his second in as many games, having scored 111 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last month. Prior to Samson, only Gustav Mckeon (France), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), and Phil Salt (England) had achieved the rare feat of scoring consecutive T20I centuries.Samson's knock was particularly impressive considering the self-doubt he had faced in the past about his ability to replicate his IPL success at the international level."Honestly in my career, I have had more failures than success. When you go through those failures, you start doubting yourself. People obviously say things, social media definitely plays its role, and then you also start thinking about it," Samson said after the match."It's like 'Sanju, are you not made for international level? You are doing well in the IPL, why is it not happening in international (cricket)?' I did have lots of thoughts, but after so many years of experience, I know my abilities."Samson's confidence and determination have paid off, and he is now proving to be a valuable asset for the Indian team. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently makes him a dangerous player in the shortest format of the game.

Sanju Samson's blistering century against South Africa in Durban has propelled India to a commanding 1-0 lead in the four-match T20I series. The wicketkeeper-batsman's stunning 107 off 50 balls, featuring seven fours and 10 towering sixes, was the highest individual score in a T20I between India and South Africa.Samson's aggressive knock helped India reach an imposing total of 202/8 in the first innings, earning him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on the victory, Samson credited the senior members of the team for helping him overcome the mental challenges of representing India."When you have a supporting captain like Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam bhai and VVS Laxman sir, they all support you during failures," Samson said at the post-match conference. "The way they communicate with you in your failures is very important. Everyone knows that if we are going through a negative phase, then the player can get lost there."Samson's 107 surpassed David Miller's unbeaten 106 in Guwahati in 2022 as the highest individual score in a T20I between India and South Africa. His powerful innings helped India reach an imposing total of 202/8 in the first innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.Despite a rocky start under Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach, Samson has rebounded strongly with impressive performances against Bangladesh and now South Africa. "So at that time, I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam bhai and Surya, telling me what to work on," Samson shared. "Your spin is a little bit like that. You collect all the spinners in Kerala and practice on rough wickets there. You do this, you do that. So if your Indian team's captain is calling you and telling you how to practice after a duck, then you have confidence that the captain is trusting you," he said."He wants you to do well. So I think all those small, small things play a huge role, I think, coming back here," added Samson.India and South Africa are set to clash again in the second T20I on Sunday in Gqeberha.

Sanju Samson's T20 Heroics Earn Praise from Pakistan's Ahmad ShahzadIndian wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson's scintillating performance in the first T20I against South Africa has garnered widespread admiration, including from Pakistan's Ahmad Shahzad. Shahzad, a former Pakistani opener, took to his YouTube channel to express his awe at Samson's match-winning knock.Samson's blistering innings of 107 runs off just 50 balls, featuring 10 towering sixes and seven boundaries, left an indelible mark on the match. His relentless aggression kept the South African bowlers at bay, with Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee struggling to contain his onslaught.Shahzad was particularly impressed by Samson's consistency, highlighting his consecutive centuries in international matches. "Scoring two consecutive centuries in international matches is no small feat," Shahzad remarked. "If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it. But Sanju has set this record for himself, and that's a huge deal for his career."The Pakistani batter believes that Samson's recent performances warrant greater recognition and regular opportunities. "He now deserves all the respect from India," Shahzad asserted. "Scoring two centuries in two matches is not easy, and by doing it, he's pretty much saying, 'Kyun hila dala na (Hey, ain't you surprised?)'"Samson's innings propelled India to a commanding 61-run victory in the opening T20I. South Africa, chasing a daunting target of 203, were unable to match India's firepower, managing only 141 all out in under 18 overs.Samson's record-breaking knock has placed him among the elite in T20I cricket. He joins the likes of Gustav McKeon, Rilee Rossouw, and Phil Salt as players to have scored consecutive hundreds in the format. Additionally, with his three 50+ scores, Samson now stands alongside top Indian wicket-keepers in T20 history, outpacing even MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in this regard.As India prepare for the second T20I against South Africa on Sunday, Samson's performance has raised expectations and cemented his status as a key player in the team's T20 setup.

India and South Africa will clash in the second T20I on Sunday, with the hosts aiming to extend their winning streak in the format. Sanju Samson's blistering century in the series opener has given India a significant advantage, but they will be seeking more consistency from their top-order batsmen.Abhishek Sharma's string of low scores has raised concerns, and the team management may consider alternative options for the opening slot. Tilak Varma's promising start in the first match will also be under scrutiny as he looks to cement his place in the middle order.Despite a strong bowling performance in the first T20I, India's middle and lower order exposed a vulnerability. The team will be eager to address this weakness and build more substantial partnerships.South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from their loss. Missing key players like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas will rely on their senior players to step up. Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will need to deliver if South Africa is to level the series.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. India will be aiming to take a 2-0 lead, while South Africa will be determined to avoid a series defeat.

Sanju Samson's recent resurgence has been a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. The wicketkeeper-batter has notched up three centuries in his last six competitive matches, including a Duleep Trophy ton and two consecutive T20I centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa.Samson's impressive 50-ball 107 against South Africa in the first T20I in Durban was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He showcased his ability to clear the boundary with ease, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes. This performance followed his equally impressive 111 runs against Bangladesh in the previous T20I.Samson's recent success has helped him shed the label of an inconsistent performer. He has consistently put in the hard work behind the scenes, and it is now paying off. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson's dedication and commitment, highlighting his willingness to do the "boring work" that often goes unnoticed.Samson's aggressive approach to batting involves a degree of risk, but he is not afraid to take it. He believes in playing for the team and putting the team's needs ahead of his own. This selfless attitude has earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans.Samson's resurgence is a reminder that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. He has proven that he is a world-class batsman who can consistently perform at the highest level. As he continues to build on his current form, Samson is poised to become one of the most feared batsmen in the world.

India's T20I dominance continued as they outplayed South Africa by 61 runs in the series opener in Durban. Sanju Samson's record-breaking century and a clinical bowling performance laid the foundation for India's comprehensive victory.Chasing a formidable target of 203, South Africa's batting faltered from the outset. Skipper Aiden Markram's early dismissal set the tone for a shaky start. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi wreaked havoc on the Proteas' middle order, claiming key wickets at regular intervals.Samson's blistering knock of 107 off 50 balls, featuring 10 towering sixes and seven fours, propelled India to a competitive total. His innings equaled Rohit Sharma's record for the most sixes in a T20I innings by an Indian player.Despite losing wickets towards the end, India's lower order held firm to cross the 200-run mark. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav provided valuable contributions, while Tilak Varma added a quickfire 33.South Africa's response was marred by poor shot selection and a lack of partnerships. Gerald Coetzee's brief resistance of 23 off 11 balls proved futile as India's bowlers maintained a tight grip on the game.Bishnoi's three-wicket haul and Chakaravarthy's economical spell of 3/25 stifled South Africa's chase. The Proteas were eventually bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs, handing India a commanding 1-0 lead in the four-match series.Samson's record-breaking century and India's clinical bowling performance set the stage for a dominant display in the remaining matches. The victory extends India's impressive run in T20I cricket and bodes well for their chances in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Sanju Samson's historic feat in Durban has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket. The 29-year-old became the first Indian to score back-to-back T20I centuries, a testament to his exceptional batting prowess.Samson's century against South Africa came on the heels of his scintillating 111 against Bangladesh in the previous T20I. He reached the milestone in just 47 balls, smashing 7 fours and 9 sixes. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, leaving the South African bowlers in awe.Samson's achievement is even more remarkable considering he has grabbed the opportunity presented by the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket. He has consistently performed in the shortest format, earning him a place in the Indian top order.The Kerala-born batsman is now part of an elite group of cricketers who have scored T20I centuries in consecutive matches. He joins England's Phil Salt, South Africa's Rilee Rossouw, and France's Gustav McKeon in this exclusive club.Samson's rise to prominence has been meteoric. He captained Rajasthan Royals to two IPL playoffs in the past three seasons, showcasing his leadership qualities and batting brilliance. His retention by the franchise for Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction is a testament to his value.In the first T20I against South Africa, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Samson's century laid the foundation for a strong total, which India eventually defended to win the match.Samson's historic achievement is a proud moment for Indian cricket. It highlights the depth of talent in the country and the emergence of a new generation of stars. As India looks to build a formidable team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Samson's batting prowess will be crucial.

Sanju Samson Surpasses Dhoni and Pant, Joins Elite List of Indian Wicket-Keepers in T20IsNew Delhi: Indian batter Sanju Samson has etched his name in the record books by surpassing legendary wicket-keepers MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant in the shortest format of the game. During the first T20I against South Africa, Samson recorded his third 50+ score in T20Is, joining the likes of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, who also have three such scores as wicket-keepers for India.Samson's milestone came during an aggressive innings against South Africa, where he showcased his power and precision. The standout moment of his knock was when he smashed back-to-back sixes off Nqabayomzi Peter, reaching his half-century with a brilliant pull shot that sent the ball soaring in front of square.Samson's fifty came off just 27 balls, and his aggressive approach quickly put South Africa under pressure after they opted to bowl first. His remarkable strike rate of over 150 demonstrated his attacking mindset, as he carved up the South African bowlers with ease.Despite the early fall of Abhishek Sharma at 24, Samson and his partner Suryakumar Yadav took control, accelerating India's score and keeping a run rate of around 10 per over. Samson's innings played a crucial role in India's eventual victory, as they chased down South Africa's total of 106 with ease.With this feat, Samson has established himself as one of the most promising wicket-keepers in Indian cricket. His ability to combine aggressive batting with reliable glovework makes him a valuable asset to the team. As he continues to develop, Samson has the potential to become one of the best wicket-keepers in the world.