Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson of being versatile enough to bat at any position that the team needs him to be. Kotak’s comments came ahead of the high voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the ongoing T20I Asia Cup 2025. The match is slated to be played on September 14th in Dubai.
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. 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.
Sitanshu Kotak’s thoughts on Sanju Samson’s batting position.Â
Speaking to the media, Sitanshu Kotak said: “I think Sanju is a good enough player to bat at any number. So, it will be according to the team’s requirements. The captain and head coach will decide. He is more than happy to bat at any number.”Â
Sitanshu Kotak’s thoughts on the India Pakistan clash.Â
Speaking on the India vs Pakistan clash, Sitanshu Kotak stated that the players are solely focused on playing cricket and are not concerned with anything else. Sitanshu Kotak said: “We are here to play. The players are focused on playing cricket and I don’t think they have anything in mind other than playing. That is what we focus on. It will be a competitive game. The India-Pakistan game is always a competitive game. So, we would rather focus on that.”Â
For the record, India posted a commanding victory by nine wickets in their Asia Cup opener against the UAE on Wednesday. After the fixture against Pakistan, India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19th in Abu Dhabi. After the group stage, the tournament will proceed to the Super 4, where the top two teams from each group will qualify. If India finishes at the top of Group A, then all of their Super 4 matches will be held in Dubai.
If India finishes second, then one of their Super 4 matches will be held in Abu Dhabi and the remaining two will be in Dubai. The Super 4 stage is set to run from September 20 to September 26. Dubai will host the final, which is scheduled for September 28.
It remains to be seen how Sanju Samson performs down the order as his track record isn’t great batting outside the top 4. But Kotak praising him to the hilt and backing him shows the team management’s faith in Sanju Samson in doing well outside of his comfort zone. Through no fault of Samson, he has been shafted down the order. Against UAE, he did not get to bat as the chase was so small. But his litmus test will come against Pakistan as they have a strong bowling line-up and whether Samson can play a different role in the middle order remains to be seen.
India’s first real test will come on Sunday after a lop-sided game on Wednesday against the UAE side. Pakistan looked good against Oman and were clinical with the ball and a bit patchy with the bat. But both sides look ready to take on each other. It is just not a match, it is something more than that. The people will wait in anticipation to see how the game unfolds and it is about whoever holds the nerves better will win the contest. Expect Pakistan to push India all the way. India might be favourites, but Pakistan are not here to be pushovers.
So, we shall see how the game unfolds when it comes our way on 14th September 2025 in Match 6 of the tournament. It will be a Group A clash from Dubai at 8PM IST on Super Sunday. A game where neither team is expected to give an inch.
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