177 Runs! Sanju Samson Shines, Sets New Record in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

After being dropped from India’s playing XI during the T20 series against Australia, Sanju Samson made a powerful statement with the bat in the very first match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Kerala Pair Breaks Record
In the match against Odisha, Sanju Samson and Rohan Kunnummal forged an unbeaten 177-run opening partnership, setting a new record in the tournament. Samson scored 51 runs off 41 balls, including 6 boundaries and a six, while Kunnummal played a spectacular innings of 121 off 60 balls, smashing 10 fours and 10 sixes. Their partnership guided Kerala to victory, chasing the target of 177 with ease.

Earlier on the same day, Gujarat’s Urvil Patel and Arya Desai had set the record for the largest opening stand in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history by putting together 174 runs against Services, with Urvil scoring a quick century off just 31 balls. However, their record was soon surpassed by Samson and Kunnummal.

A Season of Records
Before this season, the previous highest opening partnership in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was held by Mannan Vohra and Arjun Azad, who scored 159 runs against Bihar in the 2023 season. On the opening day of the 2025–26 season, this record was broken three times—Kishan Lingdoh and Arpit Bhatewara had also stitched together 157 runs for Meghalaya against their opposition.

Match Highlights
Playing first at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Odisha posted 176 for 7, with captain Biplab Samantre top-scoring with 53 runs. Kerala’s MD Nidhish picked up 4 crucial wickets. The record-breaking partnership of Samson and Kunnummal ensured Kerala emerged victorious in their tournament opener.

Sanju Samson’s explosive performance clearly signals that he is ready to make a strong comeback to the national team.