The fans who arrived to get a glimpse of Sanju Samson’s batting on the opening night of the Kerala Cricket League were disappointed as the India star demoted himself in the batting order in Kochi Blue Tigers’ victory over Trivandrum Royals.

Sanju was expected to open the Blue Tigers’ innings as they chased a modest total of 97 under the lights at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. However, it was Jobin Boy and Vinoop Manoharan who opened the innings.

Joby fell for 8, unlucky to be run out at the non-striker’s end, but it was Mohammed Shanu who arrived next. And then it was Saly, Sanju’s brother and captain of the Blue Tigers, who came out to bat when Vinoop was dismissed (14).

Sanju had effected a smart run out early in the innings, but it was his show with the bat that had the fans waiting. Sanju was padded up, but his services were not required as his elder brother Saly scored an unbeaten 50 to power the Blue Tigers to an 8-wicket win.

Could Sanju have been preparing for a scenario in the upcoming Asia Cup, where he might have to sacrifice his opening role? Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the T20I squad and his elevation as vice-captain have increased the chance of him playing as India’s opener alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Considering Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav have their slots at No 3 and 4 respectively, nailed in, Sanju might be asked to drop down to No. 5. The possibility of Jitesh Sharma getting the nod ahead of Sanju as the wicket-keeper batter is also high.

Sanju had an eventful 2024, scoring three centuries, two in South Africa, all as openers. Sanju, who captains Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, is the only active Indian male cricketer from Kerala. 

Sanju was making his debut in the KCL after missing out on the inaugural season. His availability for the remainder of the T20 event is in doubt due to the Asia Cup. The KCL will run till September 7, while the Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28.