Sanju Samson Falls Early in First Kerala Cricket League Appearance

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Indian batter Sanju Samson preparations for the Asia Cup got off to a shaky start as he was dismissed for 13 runs off 22 balls in his first outing for Kochi Blue Tigers during the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) on Saturday. Samson failed to hit any boundaries and was dismissed by seasoned all-rounder Jalaj Saxena. Despite his early departure, Kochi Blue Tigers managed 183/8 in their 20 overs, thanks to V Manoharan’s 66 off 31 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes, and Alfi Francis John’s 31* off 13 balls, which included four sixes and a four.

For Alleppey Ripples, Saxena picked up 2/16, but the team was restricted to 149 in 19.2 overs, with KM Asif taking an impressive 4/23. The KCL, which began on August 21, will continue till September 7.

In his T20I career for India Samson has played 42 matches scoring 861 runs in 38 innings at an average of 25.38 including three centuries and two fifties. Last year as India top T20I batter he amassed 436 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.60 with a strike rate of 180.16 including three centuries and a fifty. However, with vice captain Shubman Gill returning after a successful England tour, and Jitesh Sharma as back up keeper batter, Samson spot in the playing XI could face competition.

India will start their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10 face Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai and conclude the group stage against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The Super 4 stage will run from September 20 to 26, with the final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.