Sanju Samson, an Indian opener, has solidified his reputation at the top of the order. He has adopted India’s contemporary T20 mentality of attacking from the first ball after scoring three hundreds while starting. Former Indian cricket player WV Raman recently highlighted the team management’s impending dilemma, pointing out that Samson’s position in the starting lineup is still up in the air because Shubman Gill is anticipated to open the batting.
In recent months, Samson and Abhishek Sharma have developed a strong opening tandem, and India’s supremacy in the shortest format has been greatly aided by their aggressive openings. In actuality, India has won every bilateral T20I series since taking home the 2024 T20 World Cup.
But Gill’s selection as the Asia Cup 2025 deputy captain complicates India’s batting order. Although Samson has been a reliable opener, there are still concerns about whether he will be moved down the order or stay in his favourite position.
The position of Sanju Samson in the team is in doubt.
He ought to be in the starting lineup, in my opinion. In the XI, where should he bat? It won’t work to play him as a finisher or at number five or six. Sanju Samson ought to be among the top three players. He would end the innings for India if he immediately played in the top three. When the ball comes onto the bat, he can strike it with good force. On his YouTube channel, WV Raman stated that if he plays in the top three, it may be beneficial for the squad.
Raman acknowledged that there aren’t many slots left in India’s batting lineup and that Samson might not be the best fit for the openings that are available. Fitting Samson into his preferred role as an opener is still a struggle for the team management, even though the top order appears to be resolved.
Both Gill and Samson were named in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 match against the United Arab Emirates. Samson has been placed at No. 5, a position where he has historically had few opportunities, while Gill is scheduled to open.
There are still a few slots available, and candidates like Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma are vying for them. Of them, who ought to play? Where ought they to play? Gautam Gambhir and the management are having a hard time with this. Nonetheless, the management benefits from having these headaches. If you look at it, this team is completely complete. In other words, they can adjust to any situation and select an XI for different circumstances. that XI is capable of performing under those circumstances as well,” Raman stated.
Raman further noted that Gill’s appointment as vice captain indicates that the team’s management sees him as a long-term leader. Earlier this year, Gill led India to a 2-2 draw with England in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, demonstrating his potential in that position.
Shubman Gill has rejoined the team as its vice-captain. His recall, in my opinion, was motivated by a long-term strategy. I believe that he will be viewed as an all-format captain. In England, he performed well in Test cricket. Few people anticipated those kinds of performances, but he performed admirably as captain and batsman. Here, he might bat first. He is accompanied by Abhishek Sharma. He’s also a fantastic T20 player,” Raman remarked.
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