Sanju Samson is kind of guy who has potential of Yuvi, to hit those six sixes: Dale Steyn

With 30 to chase in the final over of the first ODI match between India and South Africa, the former Proteas speedster Dale Steyn revealed being nervous as he feels Sanju Samson has the ability to hit six sixes in an over. The 27-year-old tried his best but could only manage to score 20 in the final over as India lost the match by 9 runs at  Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Speaking to Star Sports after the game, Steyn said how anxious he was after Kagiso Rabada bowled a no-ball in the penultimate over of the match. With that, India came close to a memorable run-chase but in the end, it was really tough for Samson to pull it off all alone.

“As soon as KG (Kagiso Rabada) bowled that no-ball in the last ball of his over, I was like, 'please don't let this happen'. Because you never know with someone like Sanju, especially with the form that he has got and the belief that he has. I watched him in the IPL, his ability to take down the bowlers and hit boundary at will, especially in the last 2 overs of the game, is incredible,” the former Proteas international said.

“Shamsi was going to bowl the last over and he (Samson) knew he (Shamsi) had a rough day. I was nervous when KG bowled the no-ball. Because Sanju is a kind of guy who has the potential of Yuvi, to hit those six sixes and get team across the line when it needs 30+,” he added.

Missed connecting two shots but satisfied with my performance: Sanju Samson

The captain of the Rajasthan Royals, Samson, stayed till the very end of the match but couldn't help the team get the much-needed win. However, his knock of 86* off 63 deliveries was very crucial to bring India back into the game. Now, even though his performance went in vain, the middle-order batter mentioned of being satisfied with his performance.

“It is always nice to spend some time in the middle and we always play to take our team over the line. I missed connecting two shots, next time I will work even harder. But I am satisfied with my contribution. Their bowlers were going about things nicely, Tabraiz Shamsi was a little expensive today so we felt we can target them,” said Sanju after the match.