Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson slammed the first century of IPL 2019 against the hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday.
The 24-year-old right-hander reached the landmark by smashing a boundary off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the third ball of the final over.
Samson reached the three-figure mark off just 54 delivers; he remained unbeaten on 102 off 55 and powered his side to a score of 198 for 2 in 20 overs. His century was laced with 10 fours and four sixes.
This is Samson’s second IPL ton, the first — 102 off 63 balls — came in Delhi Daredevils colours during the IPL 2017. He was on fire in the IPL 2018 where he smashed 441 runs from 15 matches.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sanju …
One Man….Many Shots ..Wonderful innings from Samson
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 29, 2019
I normally don’t like to talk about individuals in cricket. But seeing his skills I am glad to note that Sanju Samson is currently the best Wicketkeeper batsman in India. For me he should be batting number 4 in the World Cup @BCCI @rajasthanroyals @IPL @StarSportsIndia
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 29, 2019
Outstanding innings from Sanju Samson. Has been really consistent in the IPL and hopefully his performances are not forgotten and he gets a chance to be in national colours soon #SRHvRR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 29, 2019
Well done to the @rajasthanroyals on posting a great score. Super knock from the skipper & what a 100 by my man @IamSanjuSamson – pure class ! He will be the MVP for this years #IPL you watch !
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 29, 2019
Sanju Samson💥💥 #MVP @Im_SanjuSamson 💯
— Karun Nair (@karun126) March 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/isaguha/status/1111659038641717248
Outstanding century by Sanju Samson: intent, strike rate, quality of strokes, running between wickets — everything!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 29, 2019
I think anything which is got to do with the name “SANJU” is a super hit this year! Special innings… well played #ajju. #SRHvRR #VIVOIPL #GameBanayegaName
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) March 29, 2019
Superb Sanju! After the poor start RR got, never thought they'll come this far. Full marks to the young lad, 2nd century👌🏻#SRHvRR #IPL
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) March 29, 2019
💯
That's a CENTURY from @IamSanjuSamson. His second in #VIVOIPL 👏👏#RRvSRH pic.twitter.com/ZM0k1Dlzpp
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 29, 2019
The first century of #IPL2019 is made by @IamSanjuSamson! 💯
102* off 55 balls! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HluXVdITSm
— ICC (@ICC) March 29, 2019
Sanju batting like Samson…
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 29, 2019
I know he is not consistent enough at the domestic level etc, but when on song, how many Indians can bat like Sanju Samson does? Not many. 👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏#RRvsSRH
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 29, 2019
Samson reaches his 100 with a boundary. He's carried them all the way.#OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs #SRHvRR
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 29, 2019
First 💯 for @IamSanjuSamson in Vivo @IPL
First 💯 of #VivoIPL2019
1⃣ Sam-sational knock 💗💗💗💗💗💗#HallaBol #SRHvRR #RR pic.twitter.com/n68EjQVh05— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 29, 2019
Almost 1850 kms away from Mohali in Hyderabad, Sanju Samson has smashed the first hundred of #IPL2019 in just 54 balls against SRH!#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #SRHvRR
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 29, 2019
annual reminder of just how delicious sanju samson's strokeplay can be #SRHvRR
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) March 29, 2019
Sanju Samson is the first to score 2 centuries in IPL before turning 25 years of age. #SRHvRR
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) March 29, 2019