Team India’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Sanju Samson, is renowned not only for his explosive batting but also for his exceptional fielding. His fielding prowess is evident in both the IPL and international cricket. Samson consistently showcases his skills, even in domestic tournaments and smaller leagues. A recent example occurred during a Kerala Cricket League match, where Samson’s agility earned his team a crucial wicket. However, it wasn’t just Sanju; his brother, Sali Samson, also played a significant role in this achievement, contributing to the team’s success.
The Samson brothers, Sanju and Sali, were representing Kochi Blue Tigers in the Kerala Cricket League. The match took place on Thursday, August 21st, against Adani Trivandrum Royals. Trivandrum batted first and faced an immediate setback. Their innings began poorly when opener Subin S was dismissed without scoring, returning to the pavilion. This early dismissal was a result of the Samsons’ exceptional teamwork, showcasing their agility and accuracy.
In the match, Sali Samson, Sanju’s elder brother, bowled the first over for Kochi. The first ball was delivered with precision, landing on the stumps’ line. The batsman managed to play the ball towards mid-off but then made a crucial error by attempting a run. This mistake proved costly as Sanju swiftly picked up the ball and threw it towards the non-striker’s end. Sali, showing great speed, quickly moved towards the stumps. Sanju’s throw was accurate, landing close to the stumps, and his brother, without any error, caught the ball, resulting in a run-out.
The impact of Sanju and Sali’s performance was evident as Trivandrum struggled to recover, ultimately being dismissed for just 97 runs. During the match, Sali demonstrated another outstanding fielding display, taking a spectacular catch with a long dive while running backwards. Kochi comfortably won the match by 8 wickets in 12 overs, with their captain, Sali, playing a crucial role. He scored an unbeaten 50 runs off just 30 balls, leading the team to victory, while Sanju did not get a chance to bat.