Sanju Samson’s explosive innings, laced with 14 fours and 7 sixes, powered his team to a third consecutive victory.

Sanju Samson’s Blazing Century Sends Strong Message Before Asia Cup

Sanju Samson sent out a strong message with a blazing 42-ball century in the Kerala Cricket League, just ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, where he is tipped to feature as India’s back-up opener. The swashbuckling opener looked in sublime touch and powered Kochi Blue Tigers close to a mammoth 237-run chase. He smashed 121 off 51 balls with 14 fours and 7 sixes, before falling in the penultimate over. Muhammad Ashik’s unbeaten 45 off 18 balls sealed the win for Kochi.

Samson has been included in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar has indicated that Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will likely open. This leaves Samson battling for a middle-order slot or a place on the bench. However, his whirlwind knock at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, made a strong case for him.

Notably, this was Samson’s first time opening in the KCL this season, having batted lower down in earlier matches. The 30-year-old reached his fifty in just 16 balls and never looked back, thrashing the Aries Kollam Sailors bowlers to all parts of the ground. The innings not only secured Kochi Blue Tigers’ third consecutive win but also gave Samson a timely morale boost before the Asia Cup. Despite having his brother at the non-striker’s end, the India star kept his celebrations ice-cold, letting his bat do the talking.

Ever got to 100 and celebrated with your brother at the non-striker’s end? 🔥💗💯 pic.twitter.com/HcQOSbsKHY
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 24, 2025

Sanju Samson might leave RR ahead of IPL 2026

Meanwhile, doubts loom over Sanju Samson’s future in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals, as he is reportedly seeking a move away from the franchise. According to ESPNcricinfo, Samson has asked the Royals to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He has been strongly linked with Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, though no formal agreement has been reached with either franchise.

Samson was among six players retained by the Royals before the last mega auction for a hefty ₹18 crore, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer. However, injuries hampered his IPL 2025 campaign, restricting him to just nine matches out of 14, with Parag stepping in as stand-in skipper. The Royals endured a disappointing season, finishing ninth with only four wins.