Sanju Samson: Vijay Hazare Trophy record-breaker ready for Team India?

Kerala’s Sanju Samson etched his name into the record books after scoring a mammoth 212* off just 129 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on October 12. Sanju Samson, who’s been on the brink of national team call ups, would surely hope of earning a call up soon after scoring the highest individual score in Vijay Hazare Trophy. He shared a record-breaking 338-run partnership with Sachin Baby (125 off 137) as Kerala ended with 373/3 in their 50 overs vs Goa. This was Samson's first List-A Century.

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Vijay Hazare Trophy: The rise of Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson first broke into the scene as 17-year old wicket-keeper/batsman who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL auctions but failed to make his way into their team plans. Sanju Samson was a prolific run-scorer in the U-19 circuit, scoring three fifties and finished as India’s top run-getter in the 2012 U-19 World Cup, where he was also the vice-captain. Samson’s sound technique and his ability to score quickly was one of the reasons why the IPL team Rajasthan Royals put faith in him, and he didn’t disappoint. In his second match, Samson stroked a 42-ball 63 which helped his team chase Royal Challengers Bangalore’s total of 172. He became the youngest player to score an IPL 50, a record which was later broken by his Royals teammate - Riyan Parag. He won the emerging player of the year in 2013. Consistent performances in the now-defunct Champions League T20, Ranji Trophy and subsequent IPL seasons earned him a call up to the Indian team for the tour of Zimbabwe. He played only one game in which he scored 19. It remains his only international to date.

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Sanju Samson: India calling?

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With MS Dhoni’s future in doubt and Rishabh Pant’s continued failures, the selectors might be tempted to give Samson an opportunity he’s thoroughly deserved. Samson’s performances for India A are also hard to ignore. He scored a 48-ball 91, in the rain-curtailed 5th unofficial ODI vs South Africa A which had the like of Junior Dala and Beuran Hendricks amongst their ranks. Sanju Samson would hope that his recent showings would earn him a place in India’s next assignment and would hope to continue his good run of form for the Men in Blue as well.

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