WATCH: Sanju Samson’s 42-ball ton in KCL leaves selectors with Asia Cup headache

India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson turned heads in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) as he smashed a breathtaking century off just 42 deliveries. Playing for Kochi Blue Tigers, he took on the Aries Kollam Sailors and carried them across the finish line with brutal attack. He struck 13 fours and five sixes, showing what he can do when it’s his day, making it one of the most electrifying innings we’ve seen in the tournament.

Notably, in his last outing, Samson had a quite poor outing at No. 6, managing a mere 13 runs from 22 balls. And that’s why this century feels even sweeter. What elevated this knock further was the rapidity and rhythm of his play. He first smashed his half-century in just 16 balls (the fastest fifty in KCL’s short history), before roaring on to complete the ton in the 14th over. It was raw, thrilling, and utterly Samson in temperament.

Century in KCL Puts Sanju Samson Back in Asia Cup XI Conversation

With the Asia Cup 2025 looming, Samson's brilliant century couldn’t have come at a better time. His century isn’t just another milestone of his career, it’s a loud knock on the Indian team management’s door to get a place in the playing XI for the high-octane Asia Cup.

For those who don’t know, here’s a twilight of uncertainty clouding his opening role. Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I format and his appointment as vice-captain have stirred the team hierarchy. As per reports, Gill and Abhishek Sharma are the favored openers for India’s Asia Cup campaign, which could push Samson down, or even out of, the playing XI.

So, this century will make his case strong; even if he doesn’t get an opening slot, there would be chances of him getting a place in the middle-order as wicketkeeper-batter only if the management doesn’t decide to go with Jitesh Sharma, who has emerged as one of the best finishers in the Indian team.