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Former South African captain AB de Villiers expressed his admiration for Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who has been excelling in his new role as an opener in the national T20I setup. De Villiers, a close friend and mentor to Samson, highlighted the significant change in the latter's game, evident in his recent back-to-back centuries in the T20I format. He attributed this transformation to an internal shift in Samson's mindset, rather than any external influence from the current Indian coaching staff.
Samson's recent performances, particularly his century in the first T20I against South Africa, have garnered widespread attention. He has showcased an unprecedented level of aggression, striking at an impressive rate of over 200. This stark contrast to his previous style, characterized by a more conservative approach, has caught the eye of de Villiers. He acknowledged Samson's natural talent and potential, which he witnessed firsthand during a previous encounter where Samson scored a century against his Royal Challengers Bangalore team in the Indian Premier League.
While acknowledging the impact of the Indian coaching staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, de Villiers believes Samson's recent success is primarily due to his own self-discovery. He suggests that Samson, at this stage of his career, has reached a point of maturity where he is capable of independently taking his game to the next level. De Villiers credits Samson's effortless style and unwavering focus, which he sees as a testament to his inner drive and determination. He further emphasizes his desire to see Samson playing across all formats, highlighting his exceptional ability to excel in any conditions.