India recently experienced a memorable T20I series win against South Africa, less than five months after India’s successful triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World 2024.

Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson jumps hugely 

The 22-year-old Tilak Varma has stunned everyone with his T20I batting ranking as he leads among the Indian T20I batting rankings. With the help of his back-to-back T20I centuries and finishing the four-match T20I series in South Africa as the leading run-scorer (280 runs), which guided him to win the Player of the Series award, Varma climbed the whooping 69 places in the T20I batting rankings. 

While Australian star Travis Head and English star Phil Salt have held their respective first and second places in the latest T20I batting rankings, Varma is in the third position in the ICC T20I batting rankings. India’s new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has slipped one point to stay in the fourth position in the T20I batting rankings.

Sanju Samson, who recently scored three centuries in five T20I innings, including back-to-back hundreds and two centuries in South Africa, moved up 17 points to stay in 22nd place in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Samson scored 217 runs in the T20I series in South Africa and ended as the second most runs-scorer in that series. 

SEE ALSO: South African pacer handed one demerit point

Hardik Pandya returns to no.1 ranking

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya returns to the top place of the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings after jumping two places. While Nepalese cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee holds his second place in the rankings, English all-rounder Liam Livingstone slipped two spots to third position in the all-rounder rankings. 

Arshdeep and Varun shine in the T20I bowling rankings

On the other hand, English spinner Adil Rashid and Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga have held their respective first and second places in the T20I bowling rankings.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa jumped five numbers to set in third place in the T20I bowling rankings. With his outstanding bowling performances, the Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh climbed three places to secure the ninth position in the T20I bowling rankings. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi slipped to the eighth position, and Axar Patel jumped to 13th place in the T20I bowling rankings. 

On the other hand, Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who finished the South Africa tour as the leading wicket-taker in the T20I series with 12 wickets, jumped 36 places to earn the 28th position in the T20I bowling rankings. Kuldeep Yadav is just behind Chakaravarthy (29th).  

While the Indian cricketers Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s hammering centuries guided India to the T20I series victory against the hosts South Africa, there was a distressing moment as one fan got a hit during a sixer. The fan required medical attention.  

Johannesburg hosted the fourth and final game of the four-match T20I series between South Africa and India. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first after winning the toss. With the help of Sanju Samson (109 not out off 56 balls) and Tilak Varma’s (120 not out off 47 balls) unbeaten centuries, India set a total of 283/1 in 20 overs. Later, South Africa were all out for 148 runs as India won the series 3-1 after winning the series finale by 135 runs. 

During the first innings, India hit 23 sixes, which was their new record sixes in a T20I innings. Samson hit six fours and nine sixes, while Varma slammed nine fours and 10 sixes. Also, the opener Abhishek Sharma scored 36 off 18 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. 

Fan required medical attention

During that dominating batting performance, one of Samson’s over-boundary hit a female cricket fan. The ball bounced into the fan’s face. It was very hard-hitting as the fan had teary eyes. Medical attention was required for the fan as she was treated with an ice pack. 

Samson learned about that incident quickly as his facial expression was telling it. Also, by raising his hand, he was apologising to the fan.  

Watch: Fan in tears as Sanju Samson's six hits her on face

Sanju Samson met with the fan

Later, after the match, Samson reached out to the fan who had a full smile on her face. Many fans also gathered there as they were excited to meet one of the Indian heroes of the T20I series. 

During the cricket match between India and South Africa, Sanju Samson hit a six which hit a spectator on her face.

After which we got to see that Sanju Samson himself went to meet that fan in stands.#SanjuSamson #INDvSA #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/J6SWZ0Kwo2

— L U C I F E R (@VMJaat4u) November 17, 2024

Star India batter Sanju Samson delivered a stunning performance during India’s fourth T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 15, smashing his second century of the series. However, his explosive innings also showed an unintended consequence when one of his huge sixes hit a fan on her face in the stands, leaving her in tears and requiring medical attention too. The fan was treated with an ice pack by the ground’s medical staff, making sure she was stabilised.

Sanju Samson made history

With his century in Johannesburg, Sanju Samson made history, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to score more than one century in a bilateral T20I series as well. He had earlier hit 107 runs in the series opener in Durban. His 51-ball century at the Wanderers Stadium was a stunning show of power-hitting and timing, captivating the packed crowd and setting the tone for a dominant Indian show as well.

Wishing a quick recovery for the injured fan! 🤕🤞

Keep watching the 4th #SAvIND T20I LIVE on #JioCinema, #Sports18 & #ColorsCineplex 👈#JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/KMtBnOa1Hj

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 15, 2024

SEE ALSO: 'Gautam Gambhir is already frightened' - Ricky Ponting takes a fresh jibe ahead of BGT

Tilak Varma smashed a ton

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson wasn’t the only Indian batter who smashed a ton. Young batter Tilak Verma also continued his remarkable form, scoring his second consecutive hundred in the series. The left-hander’s heroics, combined with Sanju Samson’s blistering knock, resulted in a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the third wicket as well. Moreover, they helped India post an imposing 283, their highest-ever T20I total on South African soil as well.

Indian batters Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma powerfully thrashed the South African bowlers to set up the fifth-highest total in T20I history. 

After Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first at Johannesburg, powerful Indian top orders drove the team to 283/1 in 20 overs. 

Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set up a dominant 73-run first-wicket partnership inside the powerplay. Sharma was caught behind just one ball before the powerplay completion after scoring 36 off 18 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. 

Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma scored centuries

Then Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s powerful batting performances just destroyed the Proteas bowlers. Although there were some opportunities, South African fielders dropped those chances to only add to their disappointment. Their batting helped India score 283/1, which was India’s second-highest total and overall the fifth-highest total in T20I history. India’s highest T20I total is 297/6 against Bangladesh at Hyderabad last October. 

Sanju Samson completed his third T20I century in 51 balls. After Rohit Sharma (5 centuries) and Suryakumar Yadav (4 centuries), Samson became the third Indian to record three T20I centuries. Samson remained not out for 109 runs in 56 balls with the help of six fours and nine sixes. 

On the other hand, Tilak Varma reached the century mark in 41 balls. It was his back-to-back T20I century. After Sanju Samson, Varma became the second Indian to record T20I centuries in two consecutive innings. Also, Varma became the fifth Indian to record multiple T20I hundreds. Varma scored 120 not out off just 47 balls with the help of nine fours and ten sixes. 

Samson-Varma had a record partnership in Indian cricket

Samson and Varma had a 210-run partnership for the unbroken second wicket. While it was the first 200-run partnership for India and the second wicket in T20I history, it was also the sixth-highest T20I partnership for any wicket. 

India hit their record number of sixes

Meanwhile, India hit 23 sixes in the innings. While it was their record sixes in a T20I innings, it was also the joint third most sixes in overall T20I innings history.

After Indian cricketer Sanju Samson recently shone with his powerful batting, a social media video went viral where his father blamed the former Indian captains for Samson’s disappointing international career.  

The 30-year-old Indian cricketer Sanju Samson recently created history by recording T20I centuries in back-to-back innings. After scoring 111 runs against Bangladesh in the Hyderabad T20I, the right-handed batter scored 107 runs against South Africa at Durban. He became the first Indian cricketer to record T20I hundreds in consecutive innings. 

After making his international cricket debut in 2015, Samson has played 16 ODIs and 35 T20Is. Although he made his T20I debut during India's tour of Zimbabwe in 2015, he made his ODI debut in 2021. The right-handed batter has scored 701 runs in 35 T20Is with an average of 25.03 and a strike rate of 151.07, including two centuries and two half-centuries.

However, before the Zimbabwe tour last July, Samson had a T20I average of 18.70 by scoring 374 runs in 22 innings, including one half-century. 

On the other hand, Samson has scored 510 runs in 16 ODIs with an impressive average of 56.66, including one century and two half-centuries. 

SEE ALSO: Reece Topley fined for smashing chair after first T20I injury

There are 3-4 people who wasted 10 years of my son's vital career

In the recent viral video, Samson’s father blamed the former Indian captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma (former T20I captain) along with the former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. 

Samson’s father said, "There are 3-4 people who wasted 10 years of my son's vital career captains like Dhoni ji, Virat ji, Rohit ji and coach Dravid ji. These four people destroyed 10 years of my son's life but the more they hurt him, the stronger Sanju came out of the crisis."

I credit my son's century to both of them: Sanju Samson

On the other hand, Samson’s father thanked the present Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. He credited them for Samson’s back-to-back T20I centuries. 

He added, "I am very happy, and I want to thank Gautam Gambhir bhai and Suryakumar bhai. If these two people did not come at this time during Sanju's career, they would have dropped him from the team like in the past. So, I credit my son's century to both of them."

Sanju samson father accused Dhoni,Rohit and Kohli for not picking his son in the team when he was averaging 28 in list A,35 in FC, and 27 in ipl until 2020

Sanju's PR wants to hide this video from youpic.twitter.com/sYaQKoU9gu

— π (@shinzohattori5) November 12, 2024

After creating history by scoring centuries in back-to-back T20I innings, Sanju Samson set up a new record in Indian cricket but not on a memorable side.

Gqeberha is hosting the second game of the four-match T20I series between South Africa and India. Trailing by 1-0, the hosts South African captain Aiden Markram chose to field first.

Unlike the Durban pitch, Gqeberha favoured the South African fast bowlers as they restricted the dangerous Indian batters in their dominant style. 

Samson scored the fourth T20I duck in 2024

Opener Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian cricketer to record T20I hundreds in consecutive innings, scored a three-ball duck as Marco Jansen bowled him. It was his fifth duck in his T20I career and fourth T20I duck in 2024.

With his latest T20I duck, Samson created a record for most T20I ducks by an Indian batter in a calendar year.

Indian cricketers with the T20I most ducks in a calendar year

Meanwhile, with his fifth T20I duck, Samson reached the joint third position in the list of most T20I ducks by an Indian batter. 

Indian cricketers with the most T20I ducks

Samson equalled Pant's record

Also, it was Samson’s fourth T20I duck as a designated wicketkeeper-batter, which equalled Rishabh Pant’s record (four T20I ducks) for most T20I ducks by a wicketkeeper-batter. 

Coming back to the Gqeberha T20I, India lost the top three batters in the first four overs. Struggling from 15/3, the middle-order batters fought hard to guide the team to the respective total of 124 runs. Tilak Varma (20), Axar Patel (27), and Hardik Pandya (39 not out) fought hard to secure a challenging total.

Finally, Sanju Samson is utlising his chances for the Indian national cricket team. After creating history in the Durban T20I, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter revealed the names of his strong motivators in the national team and credited them for his recent outstanding performances. 

After scoring his first T20I century during the Hyderabad T20I against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson landed in South Africa full of confidence. Durban hosted the four-match T20I series opener between South Africa and India, where the hosts sent the visitors to bat first. 

Opener Sanju Samson played a powerful knock of 107 runs in 50 balls with the help of seven fours and 10 sixes. He became the first Indian cricketer to record centuries in two consecutive T20I innings. He dominated every Proteas bowler, as the hosts had no clue when Samson was batting.

All other batters struggled at Durban, as only Tilak Varma (33) was the other batter in that T20I to reach the 30-run mark. While India scored 202/8 in 20 overs, South Africa were all out for 141 runs, as the visitors took a 1-0 lead with a 61-run win.

SEE ALSO: Ricky Ponting reveals his expectation from Virat Kohli in Australia Test series

Sanju Samson credited Suryakumar, Gamabhir, and Laxman

In the press conference, Samson credited the new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, temporary coach VVS Laxman, and new Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir for his recent success in international cricket.

Samson said, “When you have a supporting captain like Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam bhai and VVS Laxman sir, they all support you during failures.”

Before this year's Zimbabwe tour, Samson played 25 T20I matches, where the right-handed batter scored 374 runs with an average of 18.70, including only one half-century. 

I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam bhai and Surya: Samson

However, this year, Samson hit one half-century in Zimbabwe before scoring back-to-back centuries after four poor scores, including two consecutive ducks. 

Talking about his present success, Samson added, "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. So at that time, I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam bhai and Surya, telling me what to work on."

India dominated South Africa in the opening T20 match, securing a resounding 61-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. After being put into bat by Aiden Markram, India faced an early setback when Abhishek Sharma fell for just 7 runs. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson steadied the innings with a 66-run partnership, building a solid platform for the visitors. Although Suryakumar was dismissed for 21, Samson continued his aggressive approach, bringing up his century in just 47 balls—his second consecutive hundred. Tilak Varma added a quick-fire 33 from 18 balls, helping India reach an impressive total of 202/8. Gerald Coetzee stood out among South African bowlers with three wickets, while Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Nqaba Peter, and Patrick Kruger chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply, South Africa's chase was off to a shaky start, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing Markram in the first over. Although Tristan Stubbs and Coetzee tried to form small partnerships, the Indian spinners dominated the proceedings. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, claiming six wickets between them in eight overs, effectively dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup. Despite Coetzee’s late cameo, which brought some quick runs, the hosts fell short, all out for 141. Avesh Khan’s pinpoint yorker to dismiss Maharaj sealed the game, as India clinched a convincing victory, showcasing both batting firepower and bowling prowess.

See Also: What factors led to India's first-ever home series whitewash by New Zealand?

Analysis of Sanju Samson's boundary runs

Sanju Samson played an extraordinary knock in the first T20I between India and South Africa, scoring a remarkable 107 off just 50 balls. His innings was a masterclass of aggressive batting, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition bowlers. With a mix of boundaries, well-timed shots, and sheer power, Samson led India's batting charge, setting a formidable total. His innings featured a flurry of fours and sixes, meticulously placed across the field. This explosive century not only helped India post a massive score but also put pressure on the South African bowlers early in the series.

An analysis of Samson's boundary-scoring shots reveals his proficiency in attacking different lengths. The pitch map highlights that he was especially effective against full-length deliveries, targeting these with precision. The South African bowlers tried various lengths to contain him, but Samson was relentless. His ability to find gaps and clear the boundaries at will was a testament to his timing and shot selection. The pitch map also shows a mix of orange and blue dots representing fours and sixes, indicating his frequent use of both aerial and grounded shots.

One of the standout features of Samson's innings was his productive use of the pull shot. This was his go-to shot throughout the innings, contributing to an impressive 34% of his total runs. South African bowlers tried to test him with short-pitched deliveries, but Samson responded with authority, consistently pulling them for boundaries. This productive shot not only added quick runs but also showcased his comfort against pace and bounce, putting the bowlers on the back foot.

Despite the boundary-hitting spectacle, Samson's innings wasn't without risk. The pitch map also highlights the delivery that eventually led to his dismissal, marked in red. While he dominated most deliveries pitched in his zone, one ball managed to catch him off-guard, resulting in his wicket.

Nonetheless, by that stage, he had already done significant damage, setting India up for a commanding total. His ability to pace his innings and accelerate when needed made it challenging for South Africa to restrict his scoring.

Overall, Samson’s century was a display of pure dominance and strategic shot-making. His pitch map analysis reveals his command over different lengths and his confidence in executing his favorite shots, particularly the pull. This innings not only highlighted his skill and form but also set a high standard for the series, giving India a powerful start.

See Also: IPL 2025 Retention: Can Ravindra Jadeja Live Up to His ₹18 Crore Retention Fee?

Indian cricketer Sanju Samson created history by scoring his second T20I century as the right-handed batter recorded the T20I centuries in consecutive innings. He became the first Indian cricketer and fourth overall batter to record T20I hundreds in successive innings. 

India are playing against the hosts South Africa in the four-match T20I series. In the opening game of the T20I series at Durban, South Africa chose to field first after winning the toss. Samson's powerful batting helped India to score 202/8 in 20 overs. 

Sanju Samson scored a 47-ball century

Opener Sanju Samson, who batted powerfully in his last T20I innings to score 111 runs against Bangladesh in the Hyderabad T20I last October, scored another century in the T20I series opener against South Africa. The right-handed batter completed his second T20I century in just 47 balls, which was the new record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian against South Africa. 

After scoring 107 off 50 balls, Samson was dismissed after Tristan Stubbs took a good catch at the deep mid-wicket as the leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter got the wicket in his name. In the latest century knock, the right-handed batter hit seven fours and ten sixes. 

Here are some crucial stats for Sanju Samson's batting:

• Samson became the first Indian batter to score T20I centuries in back-to-back innings.
• Samson became the fourth batter in T20I history to record centuries in back-to-back innings. The other three batters in this historic record book are Gustav Mckeon (France), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), and Phil Salt (England).
• After Rohit Sharma (5 centuries), Suryakumar Yadav (4 centuries), and KL Rahul (2 centuries), Samson became the fourth Indian to hit multiple T20I centuries. 
• Samson hit his fifth T20 century. He became the seventh Indian cricketer to record five or more T20 hundreds. 
• After Suresh Raina (101 in 2010 Gros Islet), Rohit Sharma (106 in 2015 Dharamsala), and Suryakumar Yadav (100 in 2023 Johannesburg), Samson became the fourth Indian batter to score a T20I century against South Africa. Samson also recorded the highest individual score by an Indian against South Africa in the T20I history. 
• Samson recorded the second-fastest T20I century against South Africa. The record is a 39-ball hundred by the Caribbean cricketer Johnson Charles at Centurion in 2023.     
• Samson hit 10 sixes in the innings. After Johnson Charles (11 sixes at Centurion in 2023) and Chris Gayle (10 sixes at Johannesburg in 2007), Samson became the third batter to hit 10 or more sixes in an T20I innings against South Africa. 
• Samson also equalled the record for most sixes by an Indian in a T20I innings. Previously, Rohit Sharma recorded 10 sixes against Sri Lanka in the 2017 Indore T20I. 

India scored 202/8, including 13 sixes

Although Samson batted powerfully, while captain Suryakumar Yadav (21) and Tilak Varma (33) provided him strong supports from other end, the Indian batting was controlled by the South African bowlers as the visitors managed 35 runs for five wickets in the last five overs. However, India's 202/8 was the second highest T20I total for India against South Africa in South Africa. The record is 203/5 in 2018 Johannesburg T20I. 

India hit 13 T20I sixes in the innings. After 2022 Delhi T20I (14 sixes) and 2022 Guwahati T20I (13 sixes), it was the third time when India hit 13 sixes in a T20I innings against South Africa. 

South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee took three wickets (3/37), while Marco Jansen was exceptional in the game (4-0-24-1).

Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid recently shared insights into the team's retention strategy for IPL 2025, spotlighting captain Sanju Samson’s pivotal role in selecting the retained players. Dravid emphasized the importance of stability and a strong core, revealing that Samson's perspective and understanding were crucial in deciding which players to retain. The franchise has secured six players, including Samson, to maintain a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

Samson’s involvement in the Retention process

Rahul Dravid confirmed that Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals' captain and wicketkeeper-batter, was actively involved in the retention decisions, reflecting his commitment and deep understanding of the team. Samson, who has led the franchise for several years, was retained as the first pick along with five other key players—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma.

Speaking on Samson’s role, Dravid mentioned, "Sanju Samson played a big role in the retention process, and it wasn’t an easy decision. He has built strong relationships within the team and has shown balanced judgment throughout." Dravid praised Samson’s leadership qualities, noting that his input helped shape the core of Rajasthan Royals, a team that aims to build on its strengths and remain competitive in the IPL.

Dravid further explained the rationale behind retaining a stable core, stating, “Retaining six players brings stability. We trust in our talent and wanted to build a team with players who align with our vision.” He added that although retaining these players means less flexibility with finances during the auction, the move enables them to focus on filling specific gaps to build a balanced squad.

See Also: SHOCKING: Player dies after being struck by a leather ball, Madras HC abstains from taking legal action

Preparing for a strong season and auction dynamics

Dravid highlighted the expectations and challenges for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season, particularly with the goal of clinching the IPL title. "It’s been years since Rajasthan won a title, and our aim this season is to qualify and win," Dravid said. He acknowledged the intense competition within the IPL, stressing the need for strategic planning and adaptability at the auction table.

With recent changes in the Right to Match (RTM) rule, Dravid believes this auction will be different, allowing for new opportunities to build the team. "We have prepared a foundation with our retained core, and now we can look at adding depth to the squad,” Dravid explained. He emphasized the importance of preparation and flexibility in the auction, acknowledging the need to adjust based on the dynamic auction environment.

Dravid’s insights reflect the strategic approach Rajasthan Royals are taking for IPL 2025. With a captain invested in the team's future and a strong core in place, the Royals are setting the stage for a promising season.