Sanju Samson warms up for Asia Cup with blazing 42-ball century as opener

India batter Sanju Samson warmed up for the Asia Cup 2025 with a blazing 42-ball century in Match 8 of the Kerala Cricket League between Aries Kollam Sailors and Kochi Blue Tigers. Having been dismissed for 6 (3) batting at number four in the previous fixture, Samson returned to his favourite opening slot and owned it with a thunderous knock.

The Kochi Blue Tigers opener played a sensational innings of 121 (51), smashing 14 fours and seven sixes to help his team chase down the humongous target of 237 in their allotted 20 overs. Courtesy of his performance, he was also adjudged Player of the Match.

Samson got involved in a massive 89-run stand off 52 balls for the second wicket with Muhammed Shanu (39 off 28). Following their dismissals, Muhammad Ashik played a whirlwind knock of 45* (18), comprising of three fours and five sixes to take his team over the line. He gave a thrilling finish to the game as he managed to get the six runs required off the last ball by depositing Sharafuddeen for a maximum over long on.

Meanwhile, Samson’s innings comes amid talks of his shift to the middle order in the Indian T20I side. With Shubman Gill’s return to the squad, there have been speculations that Samson might be pushed down the order to accommodate the vice-captain into the team.

Samson had a prolific run after being promoted to open the innings by captain Suryakumar Yadav in the series against Bangladesh in October 2024. The right-handed batter has slammed three centuries from 12 innings since then, scoring 417 runs at an average of 37.90 with three centuries to his name.

However, with Shubman Gill’s return, it remains to be seen if Samson has to sacrifice his opening slot, after getting the much-deserved but delayed backing by the team management.