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Sanju Samson shines for Kochi Blue Tigers in Kerala Cricket League with another half-century, as his Asia Cup playing XI spot remains uncertain.
Sanju Samson scored a brilliant 62 in the Kerala Cricket League (Picture credit: X)
Even as his spot in the Asia Cup playing XI remains in doubt, Sanju Samson continues his flourish in the Kerala Cricket League, with the star India wicketkeeper-batter smashing yet another half-century for the Kochi Blue Tigers against the Trivandrum Royals on Thursday.
After India’s Asia Cup team announcement, Samson’s place in the XI remained uncertain, with Shubman Gill named vice-captain, bagging his spot.
Coming out to open, Samson and his fellow opener Vinod Manoharan added 68 runs for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed by Abdul Basith.
Kochi were reduced to 79/2 in the ninth over before Samson and wicketkeeper Nikhil Thottath added 48 runs for the third wicket. The former was eventually dismissed by Abhijith Praveen V in the 15th over, for a 37-ball 62, a knock during which Samson hit four boundaries and five sixes.
In the opening two matches of the Kerala Cricket League, Samson batted in the middle order, sparking speculation that he may have been signalled a new role for the Asia Cup.
On Sunday, August 24, Samson was back at the top of the order, smashing 121 runs to guide his side to a win. He followed it up with a 46-ball 89-run knock on Tuesday and remains the second-highest run-scorer, only after Ahammed Imran.
While unveiling the Asia Cup team, chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Samson’s earlier chances in the XI came just because Shubman 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.
In all likelihood, Samson will be benched from the Asia Cup XI, with Gill all set to open with Abhishek Sharma. Jitesh Sharma will be the wicketkeeping option.
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