Sanju Samson’s first 28 innings in international T20s produced just two half-centuries and 11 single-digit efforts. For all his immense talent and the mountain of attractive runs in the Indian Premier League, the right-hander from Kerala Sanju Samson seemed destined for an India T20I career less fulfilled.
Then, without warning, Sanju Samson smashed three centuries in five innings in as many weeks in October-November last. Among them were successive hundreds against Bangladesh in Hyderabad and South Africa in Durban, making him the first Indian to stack up back-to-back tons in T20Is. It seemed as if Sanju Samson had, finally, turned the corner.
Sanju Samson at his best cuts a glorious sight, full of sinewy grace, impeccable timing and effortless placement. Sanju Samson hardly hits a ball in anger, yet it singes the turf on its way to a date with the boundary cushions or soars through the air to scatter the spectators in the stands. He suffuses onlookers with feelgood, he puts a smile on the fans’ faces with his sheer majesty and incandescence.
But Sanju Samson is as prone to frustrating his followers as he can exhilarate. After that electric phase, he hit an almost predictable trough, managing just 52 runs in the five-match series against England at home in January-February. As much as the string of low scores, what was alarming was an eerily similar mode of dismissal – caught at various positions on the leg-side, playing the pull shot time after time despite being rushed for pace, thrice against the slippery Jofra Archer.
It was during the last of those matches, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, that Sanju Samson was struck on his right index finger by a lifter from Archer. The resultant fracture meant he wasn’t cleared fit to keep wickets at the beginning of Rajasthan Royals’ campaign in IPL 2025.
The designated skipper filled in as Impact Player, who only batted in the first three matches, Rajasthan clearly missing his proven leadership skills. Sanju Samson had a middling season with 285 runs from nine appearances while his side had a campaign to forget, finishing ninth among ten teams.
Sanju Samson has scored just 62 runs for India while batting at No.5 at an average of 20.62. His numbers are way better as an opener (522 runs with three centuries).
Sanju Samson‘s batting position has become uncertain due to Shubman Gill’s addition to the squad and his elevation as vice-captain as well. Shubman Gill opened the batting with Abhishek Sharma in India’s first game in the Asia Cup against UAE. Sanju Samson, who had previously opened with Sharma before Gill came in has become uncertain and this adds intrigueness amongst fans and experts as to where Sanju Samson will bat. Sanju Samson being played at No.5 vs UAE & PAK has created a lot of chatter on social media.
Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE, most believed that the Indian management would choose Jitesh Sharma over Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper in the playing XI. The notion gained more prominence, looking at the practice sessions and the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the squad as the vice-captain. As soon as Gill made his return, it was a given that he would open alongside Abhishek Sharma, leaving Samson’s place in jeopardy.
In the game against the UAE, Suryakumar Yadav came to bat at No.3 after Abhishek Sharma lost his wicket for 30 runs. However, the presence of Tilak Varma in the XI makes things all the more interesting.
Against Pakistan too after the fall fo Gill and Abhishek, India chose to stay with the right left combination formula with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma taking the crease accompaining an easy chase vs them. This left Sanju Samson in the next slot to come in alongside Shivam Dube but low scoring Asia Cup meant that a abtter with the calibre of Sanju Samson may have to wait longer for his batting chance to come on the cricket field with this Indian Playing XI.
However with the game vs Oman could be considered by Team India as a practice game for the upcoming Super 4s , Former Indian batting coach,Sanjay Bangar has given a strong hint that Sanju Samson may finally walk in to bat, and perhaps even ahead of Shivam Dube at No. 5. With India’s top order fixed for now, the question remains whether Samson will finally get a chance to show his form on the big stage.
Sanjay Bangar believes that Sanju Samson should bat higher vs Oman in Asia Cup 2025
India have already sealed their Super 4 spot at the Asia Cup 2025, but their last group match against Oman in Abu Dhabi has brought fresh debates about batting positions. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has given a strong hint that Sanju Samson may finally walk in to bat, and perhaps even ahead of Shivam Dube at No. 5. With India’s top order fixed for now, the question remains whether Sanju Samson will finally get a chance to show his form on the big stage.
According to Bangar, India are unlikely to disturb their top four. Shubman Gill is still looking for a big knock after his comeback, while Abhishek Sharma has been giving quick starts at the top. Suryakumar Yadav has done well at No. 3, and Tilak Varma got his chance in the middle order too. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo , Sanjay Bangar on the eve of IND vs OMAN said :
“Yes, India will definitely think about batting first. Try to bat first and give your batters an opportunity because the way they [India] have gotten starts by Abhishek Sharma in both matches… Suryakumar Yadav has batted well, but other batters haven’t got many opportunities,” said Bangar.
Justifying his reason, Sanjay Bangar pinted out that Shubman Gill is yet to score big since his T20I comeback :
“I think they will stick with the same batting till No. 4 because Shubman Gill hasn’t scored big in the first matches. And Tilak got an opportunity in one match.”
Shubman Gill smashed unbeaten 20 off 9 balls against the UAE but vs Pakistan could only muster 10 runs off 7 deliveries against Pakistan But the focus now is on the names who have not had a proper chance yet. Samson and Hardik Pandya haven’t faced enough balls in this tournament.
Sanjay Bangar pointed out that this might be the perfect match to push Samson higher than Dube, giving him game time before the tougher stages.
“They will stick to the top four, and after that, you might not witness Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson might come ahead because Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya haven’t had the chance to bat so far,” he added.
Sanjay Bangar also suggested that if India win the toss, they might decide to bat first instead of chasing. The logic is simple- give Samson, Hardik, and others a chance to spend time in the middle, while also preparing the bowlers to handle dew in second innings.
With the knockout games around the corner, India will want to cover all conditions and possibilities.
“I think if India wins the toss, then they will surely want to bat first. It’s also because the bowlers will get an experience that if there is dew, then they have to bowl with the dew, which can be a factor in the upcoming matches,” he added.
Bangar also spoke about India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav. After guiding India to victory against Pakistan, Surya seems to have found a strong position at No. 3. Bangar feels that the skipper will want to stick to one spot now.
“Surya has batted in both games, but he will want to settle at one place. He might have made up his mind to play at No. 3. So, as a captain, he will try to continue that.” he concluded
Batting at number five for India, Sanju Samson has scored 62 runs at an average of 20.62, which is a dip when compared to his opening numbers, where, from 11 innings, he managed to amass 522 runs at an average of 32.63, including three centuries. If Gambhir’s tenure as the head coach is anything to go by, he likes to be flexible with his batting lineup. Hence, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sanju Samson comes to bat at No.3 in the next few matches in the Asia Cup.
With two wins from two games, India now leads the Group A points table and have advanced to the Super Four stage. The top two teams from Group A and Group B will compete in the Super Four round, aiming for a spot in the final. India will face Oman in their last group stage match on Friday, September 19, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
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