On an evening that celebrated both cricket and Independence Day festivities, Sanju Samson offered Indian fans something to cherish. The Kerala star scored a fluent half-century in an exhibition match organised by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) at the Greenfield Stadium. It is indeed a great news, coming just weeks before India announces their squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
Samson lits up Greenfield Stadium
The Greenfield Stadium lit up on Friday. The Karyavattom venue inaugurated its new state-of-the-art LED floodlights with a laser and music show before the two exhibition teams, KCA President’s XI led by Sachin Baby and KCA Secretary’s XI featuring Samson, took the field. Yes, it is the same stadium that is all but certain to replace M Chinnaswamy Stadium in hosting rights for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
The game, staged as a curtain-raiser for the Kerala Cricket League Season 2 starting later this month, saw familiar local names lock horns in front of an enthusiastic holiday crowd.
Batting first, Sachin Baby’s side made 184/8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Rohan Kunnummal’s explosive 60 (29 balls) and Abhijith Praveen’s 47 (18 balls). Despite early setbacks, their middle-order surge pushed the total beyond par. Among the bowlers, Sharafudden impressed with 3/25, while Sijomon Joseph chipped in with two wickets.
The reply from Secretary’s XI began in whirlwind fashion, courtesy of Vishnu Vinod’s blistering 69 off just 29 balls. Once the powerplay fireworks dimmed, it was over to Samson.
Coming in at No. 4, the India international crafted a responsible yet attacking knock. Samson struck 54 off 36 deliveries, holding the innings together even as wickets fell around him. With the equation tight and 13 needed from 8 balls, he was dismissed, leaving the match delicately poised. But Basil Thampi’s six ensured a thrilling one-wicket victory with two balls to spare.
Timely boost ahead of Asia Cup 2025
The innings, though in a friendly setting, could not have been better timed for Samson. The Asia Cup begins on September 9 in the UAE, and the wicketkeeper-batter finds himself in the middle of an intense selection debate.
Samson’s case is unique. He became the first cricketer to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year in 2024, including a breathtaking 109* against South Africa at the Wanderers. Yet, that purple patch was followed by inconsistency, with five ducks in the same year.
In IPL 2025, he managed just one half-century for Rajasthan Royals, tallying 285 runs in nine games before injuries, including a fractured finger and a side strain, disrupted his season. Having said that, India would not tinker with a settled combination of Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order.
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