Before turning up for the Ahmedabad T20I, Sanju Samson had faced South Africa four times in the shortest format. Every time he didn't get out on a duck, he had notched up a century against them. The narrative arc of a romantic story of redemption promised a repeat. But the story of live sports can be more unpredictable than the most loved twisted tale.

Signs of a promising knock was loading on Friday as early as the fourth over itself when Samson lofted Ottneil Baartman through the line on the up for a boundary. The third boundary of his innings had moved him to 16 off 8 balls. A scratchy start was making way for something special.

Samson had found a place in the side on Friday at the expense of Shubman Gill, the very player who was slotted into the opening role where Samson seemed to have done enough to justify his position. Gill had injured his foot while batting in the nets ahead of the previous game and was ruled out of the series. However, fog ensured no play was possible, and as a result, Samson got no opportunity to bat in Lucknow.

Heading to Ahmedabad, his first and last opportunity of the series, it was obvious that he had to make this solitary opportunity count. But he wasn't treading the unknown. In an international career that has spanned more than a decade, Samson's opportunities have largely come in such brief openings. To make that one opportunity count without any assurance of the next coming has been too familiar a space in international cricket for the wicketkeeper-batter.

His most consistent run has come since Suryakumar Yadav has taken over as the captain, playing 27 of his 52 T20Is since July 2024. Despite scoring three centuries and finding his groove in international cricket during that period, he had to make way for Gill at the top of the order, and in this series to Jitesh Sharma in the finisher's role.

The break in this series for Samson couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Not only has Gill been short of runs, but the out of -form Suryakumar Yadav has added to India's concerns at the top of the order, where he promises to offer an alternative.

The red-hot form that Abhishek has been carrying has ensured India's eventual result have not been impacted by lean patch of its skipper and vice-captain. However, given that there are very few weak links to this side, the microscope is trained to that one big concern - where Samson promises to provide a solution and support to the in-form southpaw, who has been shouldering the bulk of the run-scoring responsibility in the PowerPlay.

On Friday, despite being beaten and getting leading edges early on in his innings, Samson didn't hold back. He resumed from where he had left. He got going by playing a casual pick up shot for a six over long-on in the second over.

Crisp boundaries, thereafter, started flowing at ease. He crunched a boundary down the ground and then pumped a six over mid-wicket. He was comfortable taking the risks, keeping no safety nets. When the ball came in his slot, he was happy to take on the fielders stationed in the deep. A leading edge even threatened to have him caught. But his gears didn't alter. Through the course of his innings, he not only outscored Abhishek but also outpaced India's current best T20 batter; a rare sight.

Just when it seemed like he was in complete control, a delivery from George Linde pitched on the middle and held its line to knock over the stumps and end Samson's stay abruptly; at a point when he seemed well set for a big knock. Samson's enterprising innings came to an end at an awkward time for him.

An early dismissal of Samson in Ahmedabad would've ended the Samson-Gill conundrum for the team management. A big innings, on the other hand, would've added to the headache, making Samson's case of being undroppable stronger. But what does a 22-ball 37 leave them with?

Samson's innings may have not done him any harm, but it probably hasn't done enough to make his case any stronger either. It's the kind of contribution he has made far too often in the IPL; one that has possibly hindered his progression to the national level.

To his luck, Gill hasn't hit the kind of form that would vindicate the team management's decision to play him in favour of Samson just as yet. Moreover, Jitesh did not get adequate opportunities to stand out in his role either.

At a time when India's top order is too burdened with two non-performing players, how tempting is the option to bring back Samson? With his innings on Friday, Samson has given the Indian selectors a bit of a headache - but has he done enough to place a solution right in front of them? Or did he squander that opportunity?

Despite another disappointing outing for Surya - this time on a flat track - while the cogs are working just fine at this point to ensure the wheel is moving smoothly, one concern stands out at this moment: for how long can the Indian team resist from fixing it?

With only five more T20Is left before India head into the World Cup, the answers may come soon. Samson has provided a reminder - if anyone needed - of being that possible fix to what seems like India cricket team's biggest concern heading into the mega-tournament.