Sanju Samson in action against Alleppey Ripples in the KCL (Screengrabs/X)

Sanju Samson has hit peak form at the right time, delivering a string of explosive performances in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) in the lead-up to the Asia Cup starting September 9. The India wicketkeeper-batter has featured in five innings for Kochi Blue Tigers this season, amassing 368 runs at a strike rate of 186.80. His tally includes a whopping 30 sixes, highlighting the destructive touch he has carried throughout the tournament.To put things in context, Nicholas Pooran smashed the highest number of sixes in the Indian Premier Leauge (IPL) 2025, with 40 sixes in 14 innings. Samson, with just one-third of the innings, is just 10 sixes behind. On Sunday, the 30-year-old produced yet another blistering effort at the Greenfield International Stadium, smashing 83 off 41 balls against Adani Trivandrum Royals. His innings, studded with nine sixes and two fours, included a no-look six down the ground that has since gone viral on social media. This knock was his fourth successive score above fifty, coming after earlier efforts of 121 (51), 89 (46), and 62 (37). His run-scoring spree has made him the second-highest run-getter in the competition so far. Samson’s form has only sharpened the selection dilemma facing India’s management. Named in the Asia Cup squad, he finds himself competing for the opening slot against vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has been in prolific touch at the top of the order. The challenge lies in fitting Samson, Gill, and Abhishek Sharma into the same XI without upsetting balance. India begin their campaign against hosts UAE, and Samson’s big-hitting streak strengthens his case for inclusion. As he put together one commanding innings after another, calls have grown louder for him to be given an extended role. His performances arrive amid speculation over his IPL future as well, with reports suggesting interest from Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders if he decides to move on from Rajasthan Royals.

For now, though, Samson’s focus appears firmly on runs and sixes. With 30 maximums already in the bank from this KCL season, he has ensured the Asia Cup build-up belongs to him.