Something has clicked in the Sanju Samson world, he can play in all formats: AB de Villiers

Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers heaped praise on Sanju Samson after the Indian wicketkeeper-batter scored a match-winning century in the first T20I against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban on Friday, November 08.

The South African legend urged the Indian selectors to allow Samson to represent the national team in all three formats. De Villiers further noted that the 29-year-old has uplifted his game and wondered whether the new coaching staff had a role to play.

"Sanju has upped the gear in his game. I hope the selectors are watching this for all the formats. I want to see this guy play all the formats. I think he is someone who is really, really special, someone who can play all the formats in all conditions around the world. Something has clicked in the Sanju Samson world; whether it's the coaching staff, I doubt it," de Villiers said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

Samson scored a breathtaking 107 off 50 balls against the Proteas, belting seven fours and 10 sixes. He helped India to post 202/8 on the board after Aiden Markram won the toss and invited the tourists to bat first. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 141 as India emerged victorious by 61 runs.

I have always been a big fan of Sanju Samson: de Villiers

De Villiers expressed his fondness for Samson and revealed that he has been in touch with the Kerala cricketer for several years.

"I am incredibly proud of the guy. I say proud because I do have a personal connection with him. We have been in touch for a number of years now. I have always been a big fan of Sanju Samson; I just love the way he plays, and I always want him to do well," the cricketer-turned-expert stated.

Also Read: 'I received a lot of phone calls from Gautam bhai and Surya' - Sanju Samson after Durban batting heroics

Samson came into the series on the back of a scintillating century against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last month. With two back-to-back centuries under his belt, the Pulluvila-born will look to extend his purple patch when India faces South Africa in the second T20I on Sunday, November 10 in Gqeberha.