Samson's Quick 100 Before Asia Cup 2025 Puts Agarkar 'In His Place' After 'Availability' Jibe

With the Asia Cup 2025 a little over two weeks away, Sanju Samson just sent what could be a big message to the selection committee and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in particular. The 30-year-old slammed a 42-ball 100 in the Kerala Cricket league which is a potential response to Agarkar’s ‘availability’ jibe on Samson’s selection.

Sanju Samson’s Message for Ajit Agarkar Before Asia Cup 2025

The right-handed Samson reached his 50 in 16 balls and then completed his 100 in 42. It was a brutal knock and only proved that he was more than ready to shoulder responsibilities at the top of the order for India. He has opened for India in the recent past on many occasions and hit three 100s in the last 10 innings. But Shubman Gill’s return as vice-captain could see him dropped down or even left out. This was something Agarkar had hinted at.

© X/BCCI

"Sanju was playing because Shubman and Yashasvi were not available at that point. So was Abhishek. I mean, Abhishek's performances clearly make it hard to leave him out. Plus, his bowling is handy," he had said after the squad was announced.

Meanwhile, Samson’s century ensured his team won a thriller off the last ball. It was a good win for the Kochi Blue Tigers over the Aries Kollam Sailors. He went on to make 121 from 51 balls. He hit 14 fours and seven sixes.

© X/KCA

Sanju Samson’s Team India Numbers

For India, Samson has played 17 T20Is as an opener so far and has hit three centuries and one fifty out of a total of 522 runs. In 2024, made history by being the first to hit three T20I tons in a calendar year.

He smashed 111 from 47 balls against Bangladesh. In his next T20I against South Africa, Samson scored 107 from 50. In another game vs South Africa he hit 109 not out off 56 deliveries.

A STATEMENT FOR ASIA CUP BY SANJU SAMSON...!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/B9mYnxaNUR

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 24, 2025

So this knock only proves what we already know. Samson at the top is a handful for the best of bowling attacks. This could be his way of telling Agarkar that he’s not a replacement but the first choice for the opening slot. It remains to be seen if Team India plays him or not.

India’s Asia Cup Dominance

India’s campaign begins vs UAE on September 10. They will be gunning for a second straight title and ninth overall in 17 editions. India won the first-ever T20I Asia Cup in 2016 as well. Can they become the first to win two? We shall know by the end of September.