Sanju Samson is quietly emerging as a strong contender for the title of India’s greatest T20I wicketkeeper-batter in multi-nation tournaments. As the Asia Cup final against Pakistan approaches, the stage is perfectly set for the Kerala-born cricketer to etch his name into Indian cricketing history.

So far in the tournament, Samson has impressed with 108 runs from three innings at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 127.05. His standout performance includes a composed fifty against Oman, and he has shown remarkable adaptability, occupying various spots in the middle order—from No. 3 to No. 8—despite the top-order being held by vice-captain Shubman Gill and the explosive Abhishek Sharma.

A big knock in the final could see Samson surpass Rishabh Pant’s record for the most runs by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter in a T20I multi-nation tournament. Pant had scored 171 runs in eight innings during the 2024 T20 World Cup, with a strike rate of 127.61 and a best of 42. Before Pant, MS Dhoni had set the benchmark with 154 runs in six innings during India’s title-winning 2007 campaign, including a vital 36 in the semi-final against Australia.

Currently, Samson stands just 64 runs short of overtaking Pant’s mark—and just 31 runs away from reaching 1,000 T20I runs. With 969 runs in 48 matches, he averages 26.18 at a striking rate of over 149. His T20I résumé already includes three centuries and as many fifties, with a top score of 111.

More than the numbers, it is Samson’s explosive style that is redefining India’s approach to the wicketkeeper-batter role in T20 cricket.

Following India’s dramatic Super Over victory against Sri Lanka, Samson became the country’s leading six-hitter among T20I wicketkeepers, clearing the ropes 55 times in just 48 innings. He overtook Dhoni’s tally of 52 sixes from 85 innings, while Rishabh Pant (44 in 66 innings) and Ishan Kishan (36 in 32 innings) trail behind.

In India’s recent group-stage fixture against Sri Lanka, Samson once again proved his worth in the middle order, smashing a quickfire 39 from No. 5. His towering sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka lifted India to a commanding total of 202 for 5—an innings that showcased his flair for power-hitting and his coolness under pressure.