Sanju Samson Impresses with Rohit Sharma-esque Performance in Duleep Trophy amid BCCI's Shuffling of Players

Pratham Singh and Varma's remarkable centuries for India A in the second innings set a daunting target of 488 for the D team. The start was disastrous as opener Atharva Taide was dismissed for a duck. But Yash Dubey and centurion Ricky Bhui showed great resilience, forming a crucial partnership for the second wicket. Unfortunately, India D then lost two quick wickets, putting them in a tough position at three down.

Captain Shreyas Iyer looked to steady India D's ship yet again with a 53-run stand alongside Bhui, before his dismissal to Shams Mulani brought Samson to the crease.

The Kerela-based cricketer, who was benched for the opening game of the Duleep Trophy last week, was dismissed for just five runs in the first innings of the match against India A, but on Sunday, he meant business from the word go, reminiscent of Rohit's recent gameplan across formats. He took on Tanush Kotian for a boundary down the ground in just his fifth delivery. He then shimmied out of the crease to smash Mulani for a six over long-off, before hitting Kotian in a similar fashion for a second six in his innings.

Samson hit one more maximum and two other boundaries in his 45-ball knock of 40 runs before being caught behind off the bowling of Mulani.

It is unlikely that Samson will be considered for selection in the second Test against Bangladesh later this month, but the 29-year-old could likely feature in the T20I series against the Asian side.

According to a report by the news agency PTI, Rishabh Pant could be rested for the T20I series against Bangladesh, with BCCI wanting to manage his workload as his fitness is paramount for the longer formats. If Pant is rested, Samson could be seen in a battle against Ishan Kishan, who scored a century last week in the Duleep Trophy, for a place in the India T2OI squad.

Earlier in July, Samson served as the back-up keeper for India to Pant for the T20I series in Sri Lanka, and got two opportunities in the contest. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for a duck in both those games.