Sanju Samson has made a big statement before the Asia Cup 2025 with a mind-blowing 42-ball century in the Kerala Cricket League. Representing Kochi Blue Tigers in Match 8 against Aries Kollam Sailors, Samson was back to his preferred opening role after a one-game stint at No. 4 in the last match and utterly dominated the bowling line-up. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter fired 121 off only 51 balls, hitting 14 fours and seven sixes. His aggressive knock enabled Kochi Blue Tigers to complete an enormous total of 237 with a nail-biting finish. Samson was rightly awarded the Man of the Match for his heroics. Watch the video here: Sanju Samson turning pressure into PLEASURE since forever 😎#KCL2025 pic.twitter.com/YOvBLdFrB8 — FanCode (@FanCode) August 24, 2025 Also Read | Watch: Sanju Samson Grabs Blinder at Slip to Dismiss Sachin Baby A Thrilling Finish to a High-Scoring Contest Samson then added 89 for the sixth wicket with Muhammed Shanu, who made 39 from 28 deliveries. Both of them were out, but Muhammad Ashik's unfinished 45 off 18 balls the match for Kochi. Needing six off the final delivery, Ashik kept calm and hit a six over long-on to complete an incredible win for Kochi. Samson's performance has given further fuel to the controversy surrounding his batting position in the Indian T20I team. With Shubman Gill's return to the team for the Asia Cup, Samson may be demoted down the order or even left out of the playing XI. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently intimated that Samson was promoted to the opening position only because Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were not there. Samson has had a good spell since he was promoted as an opener by Suryakumar Yadav in the series against Bangladesh in October 2024. In 12 innings since then, he has played 417 runs at 37.90 average, with three hundreds. Gill's return, however, can lead to a change in the top order with Samson directly competing with Jitesh Sharma for the wicketkeeper's spot. Samson's latest performance shows his capability to deliver in the top order and makes a strong case for having a permanent slot in India's starting XI during the Asia Cup.