Questions are swirling regarding the composition of the Indian team’s playing eleven for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain has fueled speculation about whether he will take Sanju Samson’s opening position. However, Samson has responded to these queries with a spectacular display of batting prowess. The star wicketkeeper-batsman, participating in the Kerala Cricket League to prepare for the tournament, unleashed a torrent of runs, demolishing the opposition bowlers and scoring a magnificent century.
Samson’s memorable innings unfolded against Kollam Sailors in a match held in Thiruvananthapuram. Kochi Blue Tigers, captained by Samson’s elder brother, Sali Samson, were chasing a mammoth target of 237 runs. Samson opened the innings, recognizing the need for a rapid start. He had previously experimented with a middle-order position in the previous two matches, as his opening spot for the Asia Cup wasn’t guaranteed. Despite his earlier failures in the middle order, Samson was determined to make a statement.
Having opened for Team India for the past year, Samson began accumulating boundaries from the very first ball, including four consecutive boundaries in the third over. In the fourth over, he hammered three boundaries and a six in four deliveries, reaching his half-century in just 16 balls. Samson maintained his relentless assault, propelling his team to 100 runs within the powerplay. He completed his explosive century in the 14th over, reaching the milestone in a mere 42 balls. His innings included 13 fours and 5 sixes, making him only the second batsman to score a century in this season of the league.