Sanju Samson delivered a powerful reminder of his batting ability with a fiery hundred in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). Just days before the Asia Cup 2025, where he is likely to be India’s back-up opener, Samson lit up the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Samson’s blazing knock

Opening the innings for Kochi Blue Tigers for the first time this season, Samson looked unstoppable. He blasted 121 runs off just 51 balls, guiding his side close to a massive 237-run chase against Aries Kollam Sailors. His innings included 14 fours and 7 sixes.

He brought up his fifty in only 16 balls and continued to dominate the bowling attack. Samson eventually fell in the penultimate over, but by then the game had turned thrilling. Muhammad Ashik finished the chase with a blistering unbeaten 45 off 18 balls, sealing a third consecutive win for the Blue Tigers.

Despite the high-pressure moment and his brother standing at the non-striker’s end, Samson kept his celebrations calm after reaching three figures.

Selection pressure ahead of Asia Cup

Samson is part of India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, however, has already indicated that Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting. That could leave Samson on the bench or push him into the middle order.

His latest century, though, has strengthened his case as a strong option at the top. The innings also served as a big morale boost, silencing doubts about his place.

IPL future under question

Away from domestic cricket, Samson’s future with Rajasthan Royals looks uncertain. Reports suggest he has asked the franchise to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction. ESPNcricinfo noted that he is being linked with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, though no deal is confirmed.

Samson, retained for ₹18 crore before the last mega auction, was one of six players RR kept. The others included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer.

However, in IPL 2025, Samson featured in only nine matches due to a side strain. Riyan Parag took charge as stand-in captain, but the team struggled badly, finishing ninth with just four wins from 14 games.