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Sanju Samson smashes 13 runs off one delivery for Kochi Blue Tigers in Kerala Cricket League, sending a strong message ahead of Asia Cup selection.
Sanju Samson scored a brilliant 89 in the Kerala Cricket League (Picture credit: X)
Star India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson on Tuesday smashed 13 runs off just one ball in the ongoing Kerala Cricket League while opening the innings, sending a stern message to the Indian team management with just two weeks to go for the Asia Cup.
After India’s Asia Cup squad was announced, Samson‘s spot in the XI was still in doubt as Shubman Gill was included in the team as vice-captain, guaranteeing him a place in the XI.
Coming out to open, Samson scored 89 runs off 46 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and nine sixes. He batted at a strike rate of 193.48. During the course of his knock, he smashed 13 runs off one delivery as well.
In the fifth over of the Kochi Blue Tigers’ innings, bowled by Sijomon Joseph, he overstepped the line on what was supposed to be the fourth delivery. Samson went over extra cover for a huge six.
Samson got a free hit next and that too was deposited in the stands for a six. As a result, his franchise, the Kochi Blue Tigers, scored 13 runs in one delivery.
Samson was dismissed by Ajinas K in the 18th over of the innings. In the first two games of the Kerala Cricket League, he batted in the middle order, leading to speculation about Samson being informed of his new role for the Asia Cup.
The star wicketkeeper returned to his opening slot on Sunday, August 24, scoring 121 runs and taking his franchise over the line.
While announcing the team for the Asia Cup, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said that Samson just got an opportunity in the playing XI earlier, as Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unavailable for T20Is.
“Sanju was playing because Shubman and Yashasvi weren’t available at that point. So was Abhishek. I mean, Abhishek’s performances clearly make it hard to leave him out. Plus, his bowling is handy,” Agarkar said while speaking to the media.
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