Less than a week after being named in India's Asia Cup squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, Sanju Samson sent a clear message to Gautam Gambhir and other members of India's coaching staff by slamming a century in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). Many are doubting whether Samson would be able to keep his place in the playing XI. Samson answered the critics with his bat and scored a brilliant 121 off 51 balls while playing for Kochie Blue Tigers. Batting with a strike rate of 237.25, Samson slammed 7 sixes and 14 fours. The right-handed batsman opened the innings with Vinoop Manoharan. Samson was the only batsman who breached the 50-run mark. Courtesy of his century, Kochi completed the chase of 237. He departed on the first ball of thr 19th over. Kochi chased down the target on the final delivery of the 20th over. Vishnu Vinod (94) and Sachin Baby (91) propelled Aries Kollam Sailers to a total of 236. Why Sanju Samson could be dropped from playing XI in Asia Cup? Shubman Gill's return to the T20I team could result in Samson losing his spot in the final XI. Shubman, who will assist Suryakumar Yadav in the Asia Cup, is confirmed to open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. Tilak Varma will continue to bat at number 3 while Suryakumar will come out at number 3. The selectors handed a recall to Jitesh Sharma. Jitesh is a specialised finisher and is likely to pip Samson for a place in the final XI. Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara Names The 4 Toughest Bowlers He Faced, Snubs Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult; Picks No Spinner Sanju Samson struggled against England Sanju Samson struggled in the five-match T20I series against England and only managed to score 51 runs across five innings. On the other hand, Abhishek finished as the top-scorer and scored 279 runs. Abhishek can also bowl and can chip in with wickets when needed.