Sanju Samson sent out a powerful statement with a spectacular 42-ball hundred in the Kerala Cricket League, just days before the Asia Cup 2025. The aggressive opener, who is likely to be India’s reserve opener in the tournament, played a breathtaking innings for Kochi Blue Tigers while chasing a massive 237-run target.
Samson scored 121 runs from only 51 deliveries, showcasing supreme form. He fell in the penultimate over when the match had reached a tense stage, but teammate Muhammad Ashik finished the job with an unbeaten 45 off 18 balls, sealing the win.
Competition for India’s Opening Slot
Samson is part of India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has already suggested that Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will be India’s first-choice openers. This means Samson could either be pushed into the middle order or left out of the playing XI. However, his explosive century at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, has given him a strong case to challenge for a top-order role.
Interestingly, it was the first time this season that Samson chose to open in the KCL, as he had been batting lower down the order in earlier matches.
Samson’s Record-Breaking Knock
The 30-year-old looked unstoppable, smashing 14 boundaries and 7 sixes. He brought up his fifty in only 16 balls and never slowed down, punishing the Aries Kollam Sailors’ bowlers at will. His heroics also guided Kochi Blue Tigers to their third consecutive victory in the competition.
Despite the high-pressure game and his brother standing at the non-striker’s end, Samson kept his century celebration calm and composed, sending out what many saw as a quiet but confident reply to his critics.
Boost Before the Asia Cup
This innings not only lifted his own morale but also served as a timely reminder of his ability ahead of the continental tournament. With questions around his role in the team, the performance was a clear message that Samson remains hungry and ready for the big stage.
Samson’s Uncertain Future with Rajasthan Royals
Off the field, Samson’s IPL future with Rajasthan Royals has also come under the spotlight. Reports from ESPNcricinfo suggest that he has asked the franchise to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction. Strong rumours link him with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, though no agreement has been finalized yet.
Samson was retained by RR for ₹18 crore in the last mega auction, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer. However, injuries hampered his IPL 2025 campaign, restricting him to only nine matches out of 14. With Riyan Parag stepping in as stand-in captain, RR had a disappointing season, finishing ninth with just four wins.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Makes Comeback – Will He Change India’s Asia Cup Fortunes?
