Indian opener Sanju Samson delivered his sizzling performance in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) in Thiruvananthapuram once again, hitting another match-winning half-century for Kochi Blue Tigers. In the match against Trivandrum Royals on Thursday, Samson hit 62 off just 37 balls, studded with four boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 167.57.
His knock, ably complemented by V Manoharan’s 42 (26) and Nikhil Thottath’s 45 (35), spurred Kochi to a solid total of 191/5. For Trivandrum, Abhijith Praveen V delivered with the figures of 3/26. Sanjeev Satheresan’s gritty 70 off 46 balls could not help Trivandrum, who came up short, making 182/6 in return.
Consistency in the League
This was Samson’s fourth appearance in the tournament, and his consistency has been pleasing. Only two days ago, he smashed 89 off 46 balls against Thrissur Titans, hitting nine sixes. Previously, after a scratchy 13 (22), Samson declared his return to good form with a 121 in 51 balls against Aries Kollam Sailors, taking Kochi to a record chase of 237.
Up to now, Samson has scored 285 runs from four innings at a whopping average of 71.25 and a strike rate of 182. Among these, he has one century and two half-centuries to his credit, and he is one of the top performers of the league.
Battle for Asia Cup Spot
Samson’s shape arrives at the right moment with India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign looming large. His XI spot, however, has tough competition. Shubman Gill, who is back as vice-captain after a record-extending 754-run Test series against England, is likely to get back his top-order position. Jitesh Sharma, meanwhile, has become a strong back-up wicketkeeper candidate after his influencial IPL 2025 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Gill’s leadership experience, having led a nascent T20I team in Zimbabwe, seals his place as an almost certainty. He will likely open with Abhishek Sharma, with the question on everyone’s mind being where Samson belongs.
Samson’s T20I Record and Role
Samson has 861 runs in 42 T20Is at an average of 25.38 with three centuries and two half-centuries. He has had a turnaround since he shifted to the top order last year, with three centuries in five matches against Bangladesh and South Africa. In 2024, he was India’s best T20I batsman with 436 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.60 and a strike rate of 180.16.
India will start their tournament against UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the much-awaited match against Pakistan on September 14. Their last group-stage fixture is against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
After group stages, the top two sides of each group will qualify for the Super 4s. India’s schedules will be based on their group. Topping the group retains them in Dubai, while finishing second will move one game to Abu Dhabi.
