Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri Praise Sanju Samson’s Stunning Century in India’s Victory Over South Africa

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri were among those who couldn’t contain their excitement after watching Sanju Samson’s scintillating century during the first T20I between India and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Friday.

In a remarkable display of strokeplay, Samson became the first Indian batter to score back-to-back centuries in T20I cricket and only the fourth player overall to achieve this feat. He blasted 107 runs off just 50 balls, guiding India to a commanding total of 202/8. The total proved to be too much for South Africa, who were bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs, handing India a 61-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

Samson's century, which came off just 47 balls, was the fastest by an Indian against South Africa and the sixth-fastest overall by an Indian batter in T20Is. After his breathtaking knock, both Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri took to social media to express their admiration.

"Sanju, you beauty! What a treat to watch that strokeplay. Very well played @IamSanjuSamson #IndvSA," tweeted Yuvraj Singh.

Shastri, too, was full of praise, writing, "Sanjooo..... Samsonnn. Special. #SanjuSamson #SAvsIND."

Samson’s blistering knock came just a month after his first T20I century when he scored 111 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. His performance on Friday included 10 sixes and seven boundaries as he dominated the South African bowlers. Samson’s explosive batting, which included a 50 off 27 balls, helped India put on a solid foundation despite losing his opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, for just 7.

India’s total was further boosted by a 66-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav (21) and a 77-run stand with Tilak Varma (33 off 18 balls). Samson, who struck five more sixes in the final stages, reached his century off 47 balls, joining an elite list of Indian batters to score two or more T20I centuries. The other Indian players on that list include Rohit Sharma (5), Suryakumar Yadav (4), and Lokesh Rahul (2).

In reply, South Africa struggled right from the start. Aiden Markram was dismissed cheaply for 8, caught behind off Arshdeep Singh. Avesh Khan then removed Tristan Stubbs for 11, and South Africa was reeling at 30/2 in just 3.3 overs.

Ryan Rickelton’s quickfire 21 off 11 balls briefly lifted the South African chase, but they quickly lost momentum as India’s bowlers took control. Chakravarthy (3/25) and Bishnoi (3/28) helped bowl South Africa out for just 141, despite a late cameo from Gerald Coetzee (23 off 11). India secured a 61-run victory, maintaining their unbeaten record at Kingsmead against South Africa since 2007.

With Samson's fireworks and a solid bowling effort, India will look to extend their lead in the series in the next T20I.