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Sunil Gavaskar verdict on Samson's career-changing knock in the 3rd SA ODI

The Batting Legend of India Sunil Gavaskar was rallying behind Sanju Samson even before the power-hitter converted his well-crafted half-century into triple-digit figures against Aiden Markram's South Africa on Thursday in Paarl. The legendary Indian cricketer also advised free-scoring Samson to be cautious with his shots after his mistimed stroke almost created a wicket-taking opportunity for the Proteas in the 3rd One Day International at Boland Park.

Known for his explosive batting style, Samson played a classical ODI knock to earn praise from former Indian skipper Gavaskar.

Gavaskar said, "The standout for me from this inning was his shot selection. In the past, he has gotten out despite getting started. Today, you couldn't fault him at all; he was biding his time, waiting for the bad ball, and then getting a hundred.

I think this hundred is going to change his career. One, he will get more opportunities because of this hundred."

Gavaskar further added, "Secondly, I think he will also start to believe in himself more that he belongs to this level. Sometimes you know you are there, but the luck is not with you or things like that. You get a tremendous delivery and a great catch; all these things can make you doubt whether you actually belong there.

This century will make him believe he belongs here. He has always belonged here, mind you. We all know the talent he has. But somehow he had not delivered, but today he delivered not just for everybody but for himself as well."