Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson sends strong message, slams 42-ball hundred as opener in KCL | Cricket News

Sanju Samson in motion in the Kerala Cricket League (Images through X/@VineethVTwelve & TJSREEJITH)

Sanju Samson produced a surprising century in the Kerala Cricket League on Sunday, strengthening his case for a spot in India’s enjoying XI on the upcoming Asia Cup. Leading Kochi Blue Tigers as vice-captain, the wicketkeeper-batter opened the innings in a steep chase of 236 and instantly set the tone. Samson hammered a half-century in simply 16 balls earlier than reaching three figures off 42 deliveries, showcasing his skill to adapt beneath stress and participant greater up the order as nicely, which is his most popular function in the format. His innings showcased his versatility, having batted decrease down at No. 6 in the group’s earlier fixture. The knock arrives at a time when Samson’s function in the nationwide facet is beneath heavy dialogue. With Shubman Gill returning to the T20I fold as vice-captain, India’s top-order mixtures for the Asia Cup have come into sharp focus. Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane believes the opening slots are prone to go to Gill and Abhishek Sharma. “Shubman is back in the team, I’m sure he is most likely to open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has done really well. He is a very confident guy, a very good team man, and that is very important,” Rahane stated on his YouTube channel. However, Aakash Chopra provided a contrasting view, suggesting Samson might miss out. “India seems to be moving in the direction of an all-format captain. With Shubman Gill’s return, Sanju Samson’s fate has more or less been sealed. He will not feature in the playing XI now. You will not drop Tilak Varma or Hardik Pandya, which means Samson sits out and Jitesh Sharma will likely get the nod again,” Chopra stated.

Samson’s newest show, although, ensures the talk round his choice will solely intensify as the Asia Cup approaches, making it close to inconceivable for these in cost to disregard the batter’s case.