Kerala cricket fans were in for a treat at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram when Sanju Samson lit up the Kerala Cricket League with an explosive 42-ball century.
Playing for Kochi Blue Tigers, Samson smashed 121 off just 51 deliveries to guide his side to a last-ball win over Aries Kollam Sailors. The innings not only entertained a packed home crowd but also reignited discussions about his role in India's T20I squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
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Sanju Samson's explosive KCL 2025 century
Chasing a daunting 237, Samson opened the innings and immediately set the tone with two boundaries and a six in the very first over. He raced to a half-century in just 16 balls - helping Kochi post a record 100 inside the Powerplay.
Despite wickets falling around him, Samson stood firm - eventually reaching his century in 42 balls before finishing on 121 at a strike rate of 237.25. His knock kept Kochi in the hunt until youngster Mohammed Ashique sealed the win with a last-ball six.
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Sanju Samson's prediction for Kerala cricket
After picking up the Player of the Match award, Samson praised the home support and highlighted Kerala's untapped potential. He urged the Kerala Cricket Association to focus on nurturing talent from local leagues; pointing out that KCL has already unearthed several promising names.
"It is a bit shocking to see we have so much talent in Kerala cricket. I think I'll request everyone to put in some special eyes in local domestic games going on. It is unbelievable how KCL is progressing so quickly," Samson said.
"To be very honest, in the next one or two years, we should see one guy [from Kerala] make international debut and play for the country. And I can see that happening. With this talent, it is not much far away," he added.
Samson has been India's most explosive T20I opener since 2024 - scoring three centuries in just five innings. Yet, his place in the Asia Cup XI is far from secure with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma pushing for top-order roles.
India's management faces a tricky call: stick with Gill and Abhishek or back Samson's form at the top. Either way, Samson's KCL heroics have ensured that his name remains firmly in the mix.
For Kerala fans, the night was not just about runs; it was about their local hero reminding everyone of his international calibre.