Sanju Samson, a batsman and wicketkeeper, will play in the middle order against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, according to Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Samson was ranked No. 5 in India’s opening match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.
Sanju was not given the chance to bat, though, as India chased a low target of just 58. Instead, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav were given opportunities in the middle. Sanju selection, on the other hand, caught many off guard because it was generally assumed that Jitesh Sharma would be the primary wicketkeeper, particularly after Gill’s nomination as vice-captain forced Sanju to abandon his customary opening position. However, Jitesh was left to warm the bench in place of Samson.
Samson can bat at any number, in my opinion.
Kotak gave an explanation for the management’s choice to move Samson lower in the order with just two days remaining before India’s crucial match against Pakistan. Although the right-hander hasn’t played much in the middle order, he acknowledged that there isn’t much reason to question his skill and versatility.
According to Kotak, head coach and captain Gautam Gambhir believed it was the proper decision to start Samson five or six minutes before Jitesh. Playing wherever the team wants him to bat is not a problem for him.
He hasn’t frequently batted at number five or number six. However, that does not imply that he lacks the skill to play those positions. The head and captain will decide what the team needs. Kotak told reporters, “He’s more than happy to bat at any number.”
In their Asia Cup 2025 opening, India easily defeated the United Arab Emirates, reaching the mark in just 4.3 overs to earn a huge increase in their net run rate. All eyes will be on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on September 14, which is the main event of the eight-team competition.
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