Sanju Samson dedicates his match fees to Greenfield ground staff after helping India A clinch series 4-1

Sanju Samson dedicated Rs 1.5 lakh fees from his two matches to the ground staff at Greenfield.

Sanju Samson made 91 off 48 balls in the 5th one day match | TwitterSanju Samson proved to be the difference between India A and South Africa A in the fifth and final unofficial one-day match at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, as he helped his team win the series 4-1.

Rain and wet outfield shortened the match to 20 overs-a-side and India A batted first to put on 204/4 with Shikhar Dhawan making 51 and Sanju Samson slamming 91 off just 48 balls, his highest List-A score. In reply, South Africa A could only manage 168 with Reeza Hendricks making 59 and Shardul Thakur picking up 3/9 in his 3 overs.

However, a much better ending came for the ground staff of the Greenfield International Stadium, as Sanju Samson, who was named Man of the Match, dedicated his earnings from this match to them. Thanks to their efforts, though none of the five matches were 50-over affairs, players got to play in the middle, as weather complicated logistics.

The match fee for one game is `75,000, and Samson has contributed Rs1.5 lakh (he featured in two one-dayers) to the men who toiled throughout this series to ensure that no washouts happened,” A ground official said.

Sanju Samson said, “We have to give credit to the groundsmen. Because of them, we were able to play. If there was some wetness here or there, then the match officials would not have allowed matches to happen. We really have to thank them. So I have decided to give my match fees to the groundsmen.

Even Shikhar Dhawan walked up to the ground staff after the match to acknowledge their efforts and posed for photographs with them.

Talking about batting with Dhawan, Samson said, “I enjoyed batting like this after a long time. After every ball, Shikhar bhai was discussing who will take on the bowlers and what shot to play. I enjoyed that communication. I’ve been excited having him around. Seeing such a cricketer coming down to our level and playing, it is a big advantage for us.”

He said that I played well and told me to keep it up. He has been offering maximum support and giving me chances. I just have to perform and take these chances that I get,” Sanju signed off.

(Inputs from newindianexpress.com)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 07 Sep, 2019

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