Sanju Samson Smashes 42-Ball Century Ahead of Asia Cup

TDT | Manama

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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson gave fans a timely reminder of his explosive talent just weeks before the Asia Cup, blasting a brilliant century in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).

Playing for the Kochi Blue Tigers, Samson hammered 121 runs off just 51 balls — an innings decorated with 14 boundaries and 7 towering sixes. His power-hitting carried Kochi to a dramatic last-ball win over the Aries Kollam Sailors at the Greenfield Stadium on Sunday.

The knock comes as a major boost for Samson, who has been included in India’s 15-man squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE. With selectors expected to favor Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, Samson’s place in the starting XI is uncertain. But this innings has ensured that the spotlight is back on him at just the right time.

Samson had struggled earlier in the league, managing only 13 runs in his previous outing. His commanding return against Aries, however, showed the kind of intent that has made him one of India’s most exciting T20 players.

The 30-year-old has featured in 42 T20 internationals for India, scoring 861 runs with three centuries to his name. His resurgence as an opener last year — where he smashed three hundreds across just five innings against Bangladesh and South Africa — underlines his growing reputation as a match-winner.

India begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE in Dubai. They face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai, before wrapping up their group stage against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.