'In next 1-2 years, we should see one more guy playing for country': Centurion Sanju Samson wants 'special eyes' in local games after 237 gets chased down in KCL 2025

In a thrilling high-scoring contest in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025, Sanju Samson returned to form as he opened the innings and scored 121 runs from just 51 balls. Despite his century, it was Muhammad Ashik who provided the finishing touches with a last-ball six to take over Kochi Blue Tigers in the run chase of 237 against Aries Kollam Sailors at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.

Impressed with the crowd of 11,000 strong that turned up to watch the game, 'Player of the match' Samson had a message for youngsters and the fans.

“It’s not easy to lose a game in front of your home crowd. So I thank all the people who turned up in huge numbers,” Samson said in the post-match presentation.

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Samson admitted that he is yet to get familiar with all his teammates. However, he does not feel that there is any dearth of talent in Kerala. He wants selectors, scouting teams to keep an eye on players in Kerala's local games. He feels that one of these players can go on and represent the country in the next one to two years.

“To be very honest, I’m not much aware of the boys. But as much as I’m spending time with them, I’m getting very excited. Very exciting talent in the team. It’s a bit shocking to see we have so much talent in Kerala cricket. I request that we have to put in some special eyes in the local games going on, especially all the players. In the next one or two years, we should see one more guy playing for the country. And I can see that happening. With this talent, I don’t think that we are much far away,” said the 30-year-old.

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Samson backs himself as opener

After a sluggish 22-ball 13 in the previous game, batting in the middle order, Samson sent a strong message to the Team India management. There have been speculations that vice-captain Shubman Gill will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. But, Samson’s 51-ball 121 laced with 14 fours and seven sixes is a healthy reminder to the team management about his ability to be a match-winner.

Samson’s tally of runs since T20 World Cup 2024 final

Since T20 World Cup 2024 final, Samson has played 17 T20Is for India. From 16 innings, he has 487 runs at an average of 34.78 and strike rate of 171.47. During this period, he has three centuries and one fifty. Also, only his opening partner has a better strike rate in the specified period (among Indian batters with 100 runs).