Media365
Sanju Samson’s timing could not have been better. With the Indian ODI squad set to be picked on Saturday, the Kerala batter produced a commanding century against Jharkhand, putting himself firmly back into the selection conversation. Chasing a stiff target of 312, Samson led Kerala’s charge with a fluent hundred, anchoring a massive opening stand of 212 runs with captain Rohan Kunnummal. Kunnummal was equally destructive, smashing 124 with eight fours and eleven sixes before falling, but by then the damage had been done. Samson looked assured throughout, pacing his innings with clarity and intent, exactly the kind of knock selectors tend to notice on the eve of squad meetings.
The innings carries added significance for Samson, who last played an ODI for India in 2023. Since then, he has remained on the fringes despite scoring a memorable century against South Africa in South Africa. His ODI numbers make a strong case. In 16 matches, Samson has scored 510 runs from 14 innings at an impressive average of 56.67, striking at 99.61. In contrast, it was a quieter outing for Ishan Kishan in the same match. Kishan, who recently forced his way back into India’s T20 World Cup plans through strong domestic form and a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, managed just 21 off 21 balls before being dismissed. Across his ODI career, Kishan has played 27 matches, scoring 933 runs at an average of 42.41 with a strike rate of 102, numbers that still keep him firmly in the race. Elsewhere, Rishabh Pant reminded everyone of his white-ball value with a brisk unbeaten 72 off 45 balls for Delhi against Services. Pant’s innings ensured a comfortable chase of 178 and underlined his ability to finish games under pressure. In 31 ODIs, Pant has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.5 and a strike rate of 106, adding another strong performance to his case. With KL Rahul established as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs, the battle for the second spot is wide open. Samson’s century, Pant’s fluent knock, Kishan’s overall record and Dhruv Jurel waiting in the wings have given the selectors plenty to think about.
