Player of the match: Sanju on a song

Coming into the game against Rising Pune Supergiants with the wounds of a defeat, it was important for Delhi to show signs of steel, and after Deepak Chahar’s early strike, it was Sanju Samson who decided to stick around.

Sanju Samson on way to his century against Rising Pune Supergiant in Pune on Tuesday.

“I don’t have words to express…”

Sanju Samson could not finish the sentence. As former England women cricketer and now a commentator, Isha Guha, asked the youngster about his reaction after slamming the first century of this edition’s Indian Premier League, he took a pause and thanked Rahul Dravid. It was Samson’s way of showing respect to Dravid for helping him overcome the rough patches.

And, why not! After a dull domestic season, which saw him getting into a confrontation with the Kerala State Cricket Association, Samson was back in the business and how! Donning the Delhi Daredevils jersey for the second time in a row, the young cricketer from Kerala allowed the willow to do the talking on Tuesday. The result was out in the open: a flashy knock of 102 in 63 deliveries!

Coming into the game against Rising Pune Supergiants with the wounds of a defeat, it was important for Delhi to show signs of steel, and after Deepak Chahar’s early strike, it was Samson who decided to stick around. While the pressure mounted, the youngster utilised his previous IPL experience to keep himself unnerved. That not only helped his side beat the blues, but also allowed Samson to steady his innings.

Despite a lean patch, Samson has been backed by Dravid and Paddy Upton. And perhaps, it was Sanju’s turn to say, thanks a ‘ton’!