A 51-ball 121 and to follow that up, Sanju Samson smashed 46-ball 89 in Kerala Cricket League (KCL 2025). Both of his innings had the usual sparks of Samson. Samson converted a rapid start in a stiff chase of 237. He hammered seven sixes and 14 fours en route to 121. Next, he smashed a 46-ball 89 with the help of nine sixes and four fours. Both innings were commanding and enthralling for fans. While some might think that ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, such knocks will only help Samson stake a claim in the India Playing XI, it isn’t the case.
In reality, his knock of 13 off 22 balls at No 6 in the first match of KCL would be considered, even though he came straight from the hospital, still recovering from illness. The reason? There is no place in the Top 3. With Shubman Gill set to take the opening spot alongside Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma continuing at No 3, Sanju Samson will be pushed to the bench. Unlike Jitesh Sharma, Samson isn’t a finisher. Hence, he has done no favour to himself by scoring two exceptional knocks. Instead, he has only instilled the belief that he is only good as an opener.
Why is Jitesh Sharma ahead in Asia Cup race?
The selection of Jitesh Sharma over Dhruv Jurel or Prabhsimran Singh was no coincidence and not just based on IPL performance. Statistically, both Jurel and Prabhsimran outperformed Jitesh. Yet, BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar picked Jitesh along with Samson.
While Sanju Samson has scored three centuries in the last 12 months for India, striking at 183.70, all of those runs came from the opening spot. However, before making that switch to opener, Samson played in the middle order, batting at No 4, 5, 6 and 7. He has managed a strike rate of just 123.88 and an average 20.40. Samson only has one fifty in 18 innings.
Jitesh Sharma, who has played just seven innings for India, does not have a lot of things stats to show for. However, when one check his stats in T20s, it tells a story. Jitesh Sharma has played 17 innings in the middle and lower middle-order, striking at 190.38.
| Player | Inn | Runs | SR | Avg | Best | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 26 | 838 | 160.84 | 34.91 | 111 | 2 | 3 |
| Dhruv Jurel | 15 | 339 | 152.7 | 30.81 | 70 | 2 | 0 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 17 | 396 | 190.38 | 36 | 85 | 1 | 0 |
| Prabhsimran Singh | 26 | 819 | 162.17 | 31.5 | 91 | 5 | 0 |
Is there a place for Sanju Samson?
So, it’s understood that Sanju Samson is only suited for Top 3 spots. Hence, when the Asia Cup comes calling, is there a place for the Kerala star? With Shubman Gill returning to T20Is and is the vice-captain in the Asia Cup, he is certain to start. As Abhishek Sharma has already impressed as an opener, he will keep his spot. With Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma set to open and Tilak Varma certain for No 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at No 4, where does Samson fit in?
Samson would fight for No 5, 6 or 7. However, India already have different options in Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. Considering Jitesh Sharma has proven record at No 6 or 7, he gets the advatange over Samson in Asia Cup.
