Unstoppable! In-form Sanju Samson powers to another KCL half-century ahead of Asia Cup

Sanju Samson has kept his explosive form going, backing up a fiery century with another destructive innings in the Kerala Cricket League just days before the Asia Cup. After smashing a 121 off just 51 balls earlier this week, the 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, included in India’s Asia Cup squad starting September 9, sent out another reminder of his form and intent.Opening for Kochi Blue Tigers with Vinoop Manoharan against Thrissur Titans, Samson reached his half-century in just 26 deliveries, continuing the fearless stroke play that has put him at the center of India’s selection debate. His latest effort comes on the back of a match-winning knock on Sunday, where chasing 236, Samson had blazed to fifty in just 16 balls before completing his hundred in 42. That innings showed his ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to different roles, having batted at No. 6 in the previous fixture before returning to the top order as vice-captain. The timing of these performances is significant, with India’s batting combinations still under discussion. Earlier, former India skipper Ajinkya Rahane voiced his support for Samson. “Shubman is back in the team, I’m sure he is most likely to open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has done really well. He is a very confident guy, a very good team man, and that is very important,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel. Aakash Chopra, however, struck a different note. “With Shubman Gill’s return, Sanju Samson’s fate has more or less been sealed. He will not feature in the playing XI now. You will not drop Tilak Varma or Hardik Pandya, which means Samson sits out and Jitesh Sharma will likely get the nod again,” Chopra said. Samson’s successive knocks, though, have ensured his name stays firmly in the reckoning.