At the very beginning of 2026, Malayalam cricket conversations once again echoed with a familiar phrase — “Sanju Samson is back.”
But this comeback wasn’t noisy. It wasn’t hyped. It was the kind that speaks through performances, not proclamations.
After nearly two years away from List-A cricket, Sanju Samson finally returned to the format through the Vijay Hazare Trophy — India’s premier domestic one-day tournament.
A Heavyweight Domestic Season
This Vijay Hazare season wasn’t just another domestic competition. Almost the entire core of Indian cricket was present —
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj — along with emerging stars.
Only players already locked for the upcoming New Zealand series and the following World Cup were given relaxation, needing to play just two matches.
Kerala, placed in the Elite Group, played four matches:
- Wins against Rajasthan and Tripura
- Losses against Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh
Sanju didn’t feature in these games. His return came only in the fifth match.
The Ahmedabad Test: Kerala vs Jharkhand
Venue: Railways Cricket Ground, Ahmedabad
Opposition: Jharkhand — captained by Ishan Kishan, the reigning Syed Mushtaq Ali champions.
Jharkhand batted first and piled up 311/7, setting a daunting target.
Kerala’s reply was led by captain Rohan Kunnummal and Sanju Samson.
- Rohan Kunnummal: 124 runs (78 balls, 8 fours, 11 sixes)
- Sanju Samson: 101 runs (95 balls, 9 fours, 3 sixes)
Together, they stitched a 212-run opening partnership, chasing down 312 with 7 overs to spare.
It was dominant. It was clinical. And most importantly, it was calm.
More Than a Domestic Hundred
For many fans, Sanju has recently been discussed only in the context of T20 cricket. But this innings reminded everyone that his one-day game has always been underrated.
This was his first List-A match since December 21, 2023 — nearly two years.
Coincidentally, that last List-A appearance was also unforgettable.
Flashback: Sanju’s Last ODI Masterclass
Sanju’s previous List-A game was the third ODI against South Africa at Paarl, with the series locked at 1–1.
Batting at No. 3, he anchored the innings when early wickets fell.
He went on to score 108 runs — his maiden ODI century — off 114 balls.
India posted 297.
South Africa were bowled out for 218.
India won by 78 runs.
Sanju was named Player of the Match.
Ironically, that remains his last international ODI to date.
A century. Player of the Match. Series win.
And yet — no recall.
Numbers That Speak Loudly
Sanju Samson’s ODI career so far:
- Matches: 16
- Innings: 14
- Runs: 510
- Highest score: 108
- Average: 56.7
- Strike rate: 99.6
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 3
Despite repeated exclusions, he continues to cement his place through performance, not noise.
A Message to the Selectors
Sanju isn’t begging for a spot.
He isn’t issuing statements.
He’s simply batting — and letting the numbers do the talking.
Even after being sidelined repeatedly, he has now pushed his way into World Cup squad discussions, overtaking far more “favoured” names.
To the selectors:
You may try to ignore him again.
Sanju Samson will rise again — with runs.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching and IPL 2026 on the horizon, wearing Chennai colours, this could well be Sanju Samson’s year.
