Sanju Samson Becomes First Indian Wicketkeeper to Hit a T20I Century, Surpassing Dhoni and Pant

Sanju Samson dazzled the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad with a sensational century during the third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday (October 12). The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter smashed 111 runs off just 47 balls, marking his first T20I century. This explosive knock made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve a T20I century.

Samson’s innings was a blend of power and precision, as he hit 11 fours and 8 massive sixes, eventually reaching his century in just 40 balls—the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian. Moreover, his aggressive approach at the top further helped India set a huge total of 297/6, which became the second-highest score in T20I history.

Samson delivered this performance at a crucial time, silencing critics after a few disappointing outings in the series. His century broke the previous record for an Indian wicketkeeper in T20Is, surpassing Ishan Kishan’s 89 against Sri Lanka in 2022. Notably, Samson’s previous highest T20I score was 77, but he wasn’t keeping wickets in that match.

Samson’s 111 places him in an elite group of just 11 Indian batters to score a T20I century. He also became the sixth Indian player, after Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, to score centuries in both ODIs and T20Is.

With vital contributions from Samson and Suryakumar Yadav, India ultimately secured a commanding 133-run win over Bangladesh, thereby completing a 3-0 series sweep.