Sanju Samson’s journey in Indian cricket has been one of extraordinary talent, flashes of brilliance, and periods of uncertainty. As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, Samson finds himself at the crossroads of opportunity and competition, having proven his skills both domestically and internationally. From dominating the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) to preparing for the UAE, his story highlights talent, perseverance, and adaptability.
From stadium roars to online scores – join the Asiaplay sports gaming platform and keep your cricket fever alive.
Early Recognition and Domestic Stardom
Sanju Samson first gained attention as a young cricketing talent. His journey began under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid, who recognized his potential while he was in the Rajasthan Royals setup. According to Samson, Dravid quickly saw his ability to hit big shots and offered him a contract after just two days of trials.
Despite early accolades from legends like Ravi Shastri, who compared him to MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma for his composure and “lazy elegance,” Samson struggled to find consistent opportunities in the Indian setup. After his debut in July 2015 against Zimbabwe, he had to wait over four years for his second T20I appearance in December 2019, exemplifying the unpredictable nature of his early career.
Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Performances
Samson’s recent exploits in the Kerala Cricket League solidified his reputation as one of the most in-form batters in domestic cricket.
-
Opening Move Works Wonders: Earlier in the tournament, Samson batted at No. 6, but the decision to promote him as an opener allowed him to showcase his natural attacking game.
-
Consecutive Fifties:
-
121 runs off 42 balls (50 in 16 balls, century in 42 balls)
-
89 runs off 46 balls
-
62 runs off 37 balls
-
These performances highlighted his explosive batting, adaptability, and consistency, reigniting discussions about his role in the Indian team. Experts like Ajinkya Rahane voiced support for his inclusion, praising him as confident and team-oriented, while others, like Aakash Chopra, expressed concerns about team balance given the presence of Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma.
IPL 2025 and Leadership with Rajasthan Royals
In the Indian Premier League, Samson has been a key figure for the Rajasthan Royals, amassing 4,027 runs in 149 matches, making him the team’s all-time leading scorer.
-
In IPL 2025, Samson faced injuries that limited his performance. He scored 285 runs in 9 matches, with a highest score of 66.
-
Despite setbacks, he continued to focus on preparation for international cricket, even training with Kerala Police athletes to ensure peak fitness for the Asia Cup.
-
There were also rumors of Samson requesting to leave Rajasthan Royals post-IPL 2025, reflecting his evolving career aspirations.
T20I Exploits and International Form
Sanju Samson has demonstrated his capability on the international stage:
-
42 T20I matches, 861 runs, averaging 25.32 with a strike rate of 152.38.
-
Scored three T20I centuries in 2024, including consecutive hundreds—a record no Indian had achieved in a calendar year.
-
In the home series against England, he scored 279 runs in 5 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 219.68.
These performances show that Samson is not just a domestic star, but a game-changing asset in the T20 format.
Asia Cup 2025: Squad Selection and Batting Position Dilemma
Samson was named in India’s 15-member Asia Cup 2025 squad, alongside key players such as Suryakumar Yadav (captain) and Shubman Gill (vice-captain). However, his exact role in the playing XI remains uncertain:
-
Openers: Abhishek Sharma is almost guaranteed; Gill is expected to open, leaving Samson’s spot in question.
-
Middle Order: Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav occupy Nos. 3 and 4, with limited room for Samson at No. 5.
-
Competition: Jitesh Sharma, a rising wicketkeeper-batter, adds further competition.
-
Expert Opinions:
-
Ravichandran Ashwin and Aakash Chopra believe Gill’s vice-captaincy makes him undroppable, pushing Samson either to No. 3 or out of the XI.
-
Ajinkya Rahane predicted that Samson might “sit out” the opening matches, though he personally supports Samson’s inclusion.
-
Samson’s potential placement at No. 3 has historical success—his IPL record at No. 3 is second only to Suresh Raina, with an average of 38 and strike rate of 143—but fitting him there would require dropping Tilak Varma, affecting team balance.
The Unsettled Star: A Story of Talent and Timing
Samson’s career is emblematic of talent meeting opportunity constraints:
-
Despite consistent performances, Samson has often been sidelined due to team strategy and competition.
-
Gautam Gambhir, a fan and mentor, provided crucial backing, assuring Samson of long-term opportunities. This trust helped him thrive in 2024, resulting in his record-breaking T20I season.
-
Yet, history seems to repeat itself—despite being in the squad, Asia Cup 2025 may see Samson on the fringes, depending on the team’s balance between Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and other top-order batters.
This recurring theme shows that Samson’s journey is not just about ability, but also timing, circumstances, and team dynamics.
Conclusion: A Player Poised for Impact
Sanju Samson represents a blend of talent, resilience, and adaptability. From dominating the KCL, leading Rajasthan Royals, to breaking records in T20Is, his performances have continually reinforced his value to Indian cricket.
While the Asia Cup 2025 presents challenges—especially in batting order and competition with Shubman Gill—Samson’s form, versatility, and professional dedication make him a potential match-winner. Whether he opens, bats in the middle order, or waits for his opportunity, Samson remains a key player whose journey from IPL star to Asia Cup contender inspires cricket fans across the country.
