THIRUVANANTHAPURAM– As speculation continues over his place in India’s starting eleven for the Asia Cup, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is making a strong case with his blistering form in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).
Playing for Kochi Blue Tigers, Samson struck a rapid 37-ball 62 against Trivandrum Royals on Thursday, hammering four fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 167.57. The knock adds to his impressive run in the tournament, where he earlier smashed 89 off 46 balls against Thrissur Titans and a match-winning 121 off 51 deliveries against Aries Kollam Sailors.
With 285 runs in four innings at an average of 71.25 and a strike rate of 182, Samson has been one of the standout performers in the competition. His form, however, comes against the backdrop of stiff competition for a spot in India’s lineup. Shubman Gill’s return as vice-captain and Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion after his stellar season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 have intensified the debate over Samson’s place.
Since making his T20I debut in 2015, Samson has scored 861 runs in 38 innings at an average of 25.38. But his recent success as an opener — including three centuries in the last year against Bangladesh and South Africa — has boosted his credentials ahead of the multi-nation event.
India begins its Asia Cup campaign against the UAE in Dubai on September 10, followed by a high-profile clash with Pakistan at the same venue on September 14, and then faces Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19. The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, scheduled in the UAE from September 9–28, will be India’s first T20I assignment since its 4-1 home series win over England in January.
India has lifted the Asia Cup eight times, including the 2016 T20I edition in Bangladesh. Samson’s current run of form could play a decisive role in whether he finds a spot in the team’s playing eleven. (Source: IANS)
