Sanju Samson fails in SMAT after horror show for India

Sanju Samson’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Return Ends Early as Kerala Struggle Against Madhya Pradesh

Sanju Samson’s return to domestic cricket was meant to offer a timely opportunity to rediscover his rhythm, but the Kerala captain’s first appearance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 brought another brief outing. Samson was dismissed for four in Kerala’s Elite Group C match against Madhya Pradesh at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, November 14.

Kerala opted to bat after winning the toss, hoping to set a strong total in their opening fixture. Instead, Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers made early inroads, reducing Kerala to three wickets down for 30 runs during the powerplay. Samson’s dismissal set the tone for a difficult start, while the early loss of two more top-order batters left Kerala needing a recovery effort.

Avesh Khan Removes Samson with a Sharp Delivery

Madhya Pradesh fast bowler Avesh Khan struck in the second over, ending Samson’s innings after just three deliveries. The right-handed batter attempted to defend a back-of-a-length ball, but it moved into him at the last moment. An inside edge sent the delivery onto his middle stump.

The wicket gave Madhya Pradesh an important early breakthrough and placed immediate pressure on Kerala’s batting line-up. Samson, one of the side’s most experienced players and its captain, had been expected to provide stability at the top. His departure for four left Kerala with little margin for error in the opening stages.

The problems continued as Tripuresh Singh dismissed Ahammed Imran for one and Mohammed Azharuddeen for 10. With three wickets gone inside the powerplay, Kerala were forced to rebuild rather than launch the aggressive start often required in a fast-paced T20 competition.

Domestic Cricket Offers Samson a Chance to Reset

Samson entered the tournament seeking a fresh start after India’s recent tour of New Zealand. Domestic matches can be especially valuable for an international batter: they provide regular time in the middle, a chance to work through technical adjustments, and an opportunity to regain confidence away from the pressures of international selection.

That opportunity remains open despite the disappointing first result for the Kerala captain. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy features a demanding schedule, and a strong run of performances in the coming fixtures could quickly change the conversation around his form. For now, the prediction is less about one short innings and more about how Samson responds across the rest of the tournament.

Kerala will also need contributions from its wider batting group. In a T20 match, an early collapse can be difficult to overcome, but a composed partnership in the middle overs can restore momentum and give the lower order a platform. The team’s response after losing its leading batter will be an important measure of its depth and resilience.

Samson’s Recent T20 Form Has Been Uneven

The early dismissal adds to a run of inconsistent results for Samson, though his recent numbers also show that he remains capable of producing substantial innings. Across his last 10 T20 International appearances, he scored 275 runs at an average of 27.50, including three half-centuries. At the same time, six of those innings ended with scores below 20, highlighting the challenge of converting promising starts into consistent returns.

Samson began the New Zealand series in encouraging fashion, smashing 67 from 33 balls in Christchurch on October 22. However, he managed only 40 runs across the next four matches, with scores of 14, 18, four and four. That contrast between a high-impact innings and a sequence of low scores has been a feature of his recent form.

His performances against the West Indies in the preceding home series offered further evidence of his attacking potential. Samson struck 82 from 41 balls in Ranchi and followed it with 56 from 23 deliveries in Hyderabad. Yet he also recorded scores of three, 16 and 11 during that series, underlining the inconsistency that he will be keen to address.

Why the next innings matters

For a batter known for his ability to accelerate quickly, the challenge is not simply to score at a high rate. It is also to find ways to stay at the crease long enough to shape an innings, particularly when conditions or bowling plans make stroke-making difficult. A measured start could help Samson settle before he shifts into his more attacking game.

His next performances will therefore attract attention from Kerala supporters and Indian cricket followers alike. A productive domestic campaign would strengthen his case for future opportunities, while a difficult run could intensify discussion about his place in India’s T20 plans. One dismissal cannot settle that debate, but consistency over several matches could provide a clearer indication.

Other Group C Teams Make Winning Starts

While Kerala faced an uphill battle against Madhya Pradesh, several other teams began their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 campaigns with victories. Andhra defeated Tripura by 43 runs, setting an early benchmark in the group. Himachal Pradesh overcame Assam by 16 runs through the VJD method, while Puducherry beat Maharashtra by 15 runs.

The results underline the competitive nature of the tournament, where strong opening performances can build momentum but rarely guarantee an easy route through the group stage. Teams must adapt quickly to different opponents and match situations, and the early standings can shift significantly as the schedule progresses.

What’s Next for Kerala and Samson?

Kerala’s opening powerplay collapse made the Madhya Pradesh fixture a difficult test from the outset. The side will need a more assured start in its upcoming matches, while Samson will be looking to turn his brief first outing into motivation rather than a setback.

The key question for the Kerala captain is whether he can translate the attacking promise seen in his best innings into a more reliable run of scores. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy gives him a practical setting to do just that. His tournament is only beginning, and the strongest prediction is that his response in the next few games will matter far more than a single four-run dismissal.