Gautam Gambhir faces flak on Twitter after calling Sanju Samson best wicketkeeper-batsman in India

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir called Sanju Samson as the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the country after his stunning century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) batsman played a breathtaking knock of 102 although it eventually went in vain as the Sunrisers inflicted a 5-wicket defeat on the inaugural winners of the competition.

After opting to bat first, Royals were dealt a major setback when Rashid Khan dismissed the in-form Jos Buttler in the very fourth over. As a result, Samson had to come to the crease early. With patience being the need of the hour, he did not go for the big shots early on. The Kerala star laid a solid foundation for the batsmen to come by sharing 119 runs with captain Ajinkya Rahane. Shahbaz Nadeem broke the stand when he sent back Rahane for 70.

Samson reached his eleventh fifty in the competition off 34 balls. But just when the team needed some quick runs, he hit the top gear. In the 18th over, he was at his devastating best with star pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar facing his wrath. Bhuvneshwar, who had conceded just ten runs from his first two overs, conceded 24 runs. As a result, Samson raced away to 85 from 61 in a space of just 6 balls. He eventually reached his hundred from 54 deliveries with a four off Bhuvneshwar in the last over of the game.

Impressed with his well-paced and matured knock, Gambhir took to Twitter to praise him and went on to call him the best wicketkeeper-batsman in India. He also said that Samson would be his pick for number four batsman for the World Cup.

“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”

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

Fans unimpressed with Gambhir:

However, Gambhir’s tweet did not go down well with all as many fans slammed him. While many felt that Gambhir was just being naive, many felt that it was an indirect dig at MS Dhoni.

Bhai tu rehan de. DC is so good without you. Thanks for joining BJP! 😂😂😂😂

— Rahul Ranjan (@rahutrue) March 29, 2019

What about thala? Advani type treatment needed imo

— babu bisleri (@PUNchayatiii) March 29, 2019

If Gambhir had this much influence on BCCI, he wouldn't be outside the squad for a good part of his career#nooffence just a observation.

— Tashreef Shareef (@tashreefi) March 29, 2019

BCCI join karna tha galti se BJP join kar liya

— Rishabh Srivastava (@AskRishabh) March 29, 2019

@GautamGambhir i scored 120 just 30 balls ,n I'm also a wicketkeeper should i play at no 4 in the world cup,wt a logic,simply u r jealous frm #msd that why he is still plying#Chowkidarikarobakchodinahi

— MD MASLEH UDDIN (@md_masleh) March 29, 2019

Dear Gambhir Bhai.. No doubt that Sanju samson is a fantastic player. But when it comes to keeping as well as batting no one can better than @msdhoni . Sanju Samson is the best option for number 4 batsman.. But not much good as a wicket-keeper.

— KTKumar78 (@KtkumarM) March 29, 2019

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