NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson's performance in the IPL has left former Australian opener Mathew Hayden extremely impressed. The power batter who will play in the T20 World Cup has been praised for "handling both spin and pace with finesse".
With his 86-run knock on Tuesday, Samson was in his element as he almost led the Rajasthan Royals to victory over the Delhi Capitals. Ultimately, the visitors were defeated by 20 runs. He has scored 471 runs in 11 games thus far, placing him third on the top scorers list.
"Sanju Samson was batting like a dream, scoring 86 off 46 balls. He's proven his worth time and again...Throughout the tournament, he's been a master blaster, handling both spin and pace with finesse," Hayden told Star Sports' 'Cricket Live'.
"He times his innings well. He's got the power. And the power is a big thing in T20 cricket. Yet, what stands out is his commitment to his team. He just needed a bit of luck, especially towards the end of the match," he added.
Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has been selected to play as the second wicketkeeper for India in the T20 World Cup, which will take place in the Americas beginning June 1.
Samson's performance was also praised by former India cricketer Varun Aaron.
"I think Sanju Samson has been batting really well. Bowlers are keen on dismissing him, evident from their reluctance to bowl bouncers despite being allowed two per over in this IPL.
"Interestingly, the over he got out, Khaleel Ahmed bowled the first bouncer to him in the match. This seemed to disrupt his footwork, as the subsequent wide slow ball, which he typically dispatches for six over covers, resulted in his dismissal," he said.
(With PTI inputs)
