Though not at an international match, Kerala’s Sanju Samson also showed such courage as he came out to bat with a fractured finger in their second innings against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal on Wednesday.
Kerala’s innings seemed to have ended when Sandeep Warrier was dismissed as the ninth wicket. But with an established batsman Jalaj Saxena at the other end, Sanju took the risk of aggravating his injury for some more vital runs as he strolled out on to the field amid huge cheers from the fans who were first surprised and then awed by the guts shown by the youngster.
Sanju was not in a position to hold the bat with his bottom hand but he managed to survive nine balls playing with only one hand. He gave Saxena company for 25 balls as the pair added eight more runs to the Kerala total, which could prove to be crucial in a low-scoring match.
Sanju was dismissed for zero in the final over of the day leg-before wicket to Axar Patel. The replays were inconclusive but Sanju seemed to be sure that he had hit the ball as he shook his head in disbelief before walking off to standing ovations.
Sanju was injured on the first day of play when a delivery from Arzan Nagwaswalla took off and hit his right ring finger. He was retired hurt and later it was revealed that the finger was fractured and he would be out of action for a few weeks.
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