Sanju Samson has served another strong reminder to Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav with a fiery knock in the Kerala Cricket League. The explosive opener scored 83 runs off 41 balls against Alleppey Ripples on Sunday night, powering Kochi Blue Tigers to a successful 177-run chase. With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, Samson’s form has become a hot topic in Indian cricket.
Samson’s Red-Hot Form in Kerala League
It was another display of brute power from Samson as he launched 9 sixes and 2 fours, making life tough for the opposition. The Kerala star now has four consecutive fifty-plus scores in the tournament after knocks of 121 off 51, 89 off 46, and 62 off 37. With 368 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 186.80, he sits second among the highest run-scorers this season.
“Samson’s fifty on Sunday once again highlighted his case to the Indian team management ahead of the Asia Cup,” experts suggested. His explosive batting has increased calls for his inclusion in India’s playing XI for the upcoming tournament.
Selection Dilemma for Indian Team
However, competition remains intense. Shubman Gill, already named vice-captain, is expected to open for India. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar also pointed out that Samson opened in recent T20Is only because Gill was unavailable. Abhishek Sharma is another contender, offering the advantage of part-time spin.
Last season, Samson scored 436 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 180.16, including three centuries, yet he still faces uncertainty over his role. The wicketkeeper-batter may have to adjust to a middle-order slot, though his limited experience there could pose a challenge.
India’s Asia Cup campaign begins on September 10 against the UAE in Dubai. The high-voltage clash against Pakistan follows on September 14, before Suryakumar Yadav and Co. face Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
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