Sanju Samson continues his stellar form as the Asia Cup approaches. He scored a blistering 89 in 46 balls to help the Kochi-based franchise post a fighting first-innings total.
Sanju Samson's explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League, including a rare achievement of 13 runs in a delivery, has reignited debate about his inclusion in India's Asia Cup squad. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 89 off 46 balls, continuing his impressive run. While Ajinkya Rahane supports Samson's inclusion, other pundits believes Shubman Gill's return seals his fate, likely keeping him out of the playing XI.
Bazid Khan analyzed India's Asia Cup squad, noting the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will impact the team's intensity. He highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's struggles against Pakistan and emphasized Ravindra Jadeja's all-round contribution and fielding prowess will be missed. India faces the challenge of finding the right combination to compensate for these key players.
In a thrilling Kerala Cricket League 2025 encounter, Muhammad Ashik's last-ball six secured a four-wicket victory for Kochi Blue Tigers over Aries Kollam Sailors. Chasing a daunting 237, Ashik's unbeaten 45 complemented Sanju Samson's explosive 121. Earlier, Vishnu Vinod (94) and Sachin Baby (91) propelled Aries Kollam Sailors to 236/5.
Sanju Samson hit a fiery century in the Kerala Cricket League. This performance boosts his chances for the Asia Cup. He opened for Kochi Blue Tigers and scored with rapid pace. Ajinkya Rahane supported his inclusion in the team, while Aakash Chopra suggests he might miss out due to team combinations. The debate around Samson's selection intensifies.
The selection of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad is creating controversy. Yashasvi Jaiswal is surprisingly left out. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I team. He is also appointed as the vice-captain. Experts are questioning Jaiswal's exclusion despite his strong performance. Sai Sudharsan's omission is also raising concerns. Subramaniam Badrinath highlights potential recency bias in the selection process.
With Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, India's opening combination is under scrutiny. Ajinkya Rahane anticipates Gill partnering with Abhishek Sharma, despite Sanju Samson's strong form. Rahane also expressed excitement about the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.
Sanju Samson and his brother stole the spotlight early on in the season opener for Kochi Blue Tigers. Sanju combined with his brother, Saly Samson, to secure the first wicket in the match vs Trivandrum Royals. Sanju's direct throw was caught by Saly, resulting in a run-out. This sibling effort drew social media attention. It also highlighted the Samson brothers' leadership for Kochi Blue Tigers.
Mohammad Kaif has said it will be tough for Sanju Samson to secure a spot in India's playing XI for the Asia Cup. Kaif believes Shubman Gill, who is now the vice-captain, will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Sanju Samson has scored most of his IPL runs at No. 3, second only to Suresh Raina in terms of overall runs at that position. His record at No. 3 is strong, with an average of 38 and a strike rate of 143 in the IPL. But fitting him in there would mean dropping Tilak Varma, which would also break the left-hand/right-hand balance India have carefully built in their middle order.