Sanju Samson seems to have taken chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s words personally, and answered in the best way possible, with his bat. Just two weeks before the Asia Cup 2024, the wicketkeeper-batter smashed a breathtaking century in the Kerala Cricket League, once again reminding the Indian cricket selectors of his value.
Playing for Kochi Blue Tigers, Samson blasted his way to a 50 in just 16 balls before completing his century in only 42 deliveries. His innings was studded with 14 fours and 7 sixes, a knock that came at a time when his place in India’s starting XI is still under question.
Agarkar’s Hint About Samson’s Spot
Recently, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had hinted that Shubman Gill, India’s new T20I vice-captain, would open in the Asia Cup. This meant Samson was likely to start the tournament on the bench, despite his excellent record as an opener.
Samson’s numbers are impressive: in just 17 T20Is as an opener, he has already scored three centuries. All of them came in 2024, making him the record-holder for the most T20I hundreds in a calendar year. Yet, during the squad announcement, Agarkar suggested that Samson was only getting chances because Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unavailable. With Abhishek Sharma offering a bowling option, Samson’s case looked weaker.
A Knock That Rekindles the Debate
Now, with this blistering hundred, Sanju Samson has reignited the selection debate. Should India continue to bench a batter in such explosive form, or has the time come to give him a permanent place in the XI?
For fans, Samson’s innings was not just another domestic knock, it was a statement. With the Asia Cup approaching, his form is bound to put pressure on the selectors, and perhaps force them to reconsider their plans.
One thing is clear: Sanju Samson’s bat has once again asked the toughest question, can India afford to leave him out?
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