Sanju Samson Battles Middle Order Role in Asia Cup
In the Asia Cup 2025, Sanju Samson is experiencing one of the toughest phases of his T20 career. Accustomed to opening or batting at No. 3 for Rajasthan Royals and India, the 30-year-old has been moved to a middle-order role he has rarely played.
Against Oman, Samson managed a 45-ball 56 on a sluggish Abu Dhabi track but looked far from fluent. His short stay of 17 balls against Pakistan in Dubai further underlined his struggles once the ball lost pace. With Jitesh Sharma performing strongly at No. 5 and 6 for IPL 2025 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Samson’s position continues to attract scrutiny.
Numbers Expose Samson’s Difficulties
The statistics outside his preferred slot are not encouraging. Samson has featured in 23 games for India as a non-opener, producing only 408 runs at 20.40 with a strike rate of 121.8. Bangladesh are expected to target him with spin in the middle overs during their September 24 clash.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted Samson is still adjusting.
“There are two outings now, two decent chances, and he’s still figuring out how to play that role,” ten Doeschate said.
“I think the wicket was a little bit tired in the Pakistan game. But certainly, with the way Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma are going at the top, and with your captain (Suryakumar Yadav) batting at three and the way Tilak Verma has played, we’re really looking for a No. 5. So we believe Sanju is the best man for that job and we’ve got no doubt he’ll figure out how to play that role in the future.”
Support From Team Management
Despite criticism, Samson continues to enjoy unwavering backing. Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, once told him he would not drop him even if he registered “21 ducks.” Suryakumar Yadav also assured Samson during the 2024 Duleep Trophy that he would get a proper run as an opener.
However, Shubman Gill’s promotion as T20I vice-captain and his partnership with Abhishek Sharma have left Samson to fill gaps in the middle order. After the win against Pakistan, captain Suryakumar stressed the importance of flexible batting positions.
“I think everyone should be flexible in batting except for the openers. Because we have left-handers, right-handers, power-hitters, and some players who can play the game well. So it’s very important to be flexible,” he explained.
“So irrespective of the need of the hour, if someone has scored 50 at No. 3 or No. 4, and there is a requirement to bat at No. 5 or 6 in the next game, then the batsmen have accepted that we will bat like that.
“And this is how the team will run. Because in this format, I feel that if players create impact and score small but important runs, then I feel it will be a very dangerous team.”
Crucial Test Versus Bangladesh
India’s meeting with Bangladesh will give Samson another chance to prove his adaptability. Last year in Hyderabad, he hammered a 40-ball hundred against the same opponent. A performance of similar impact could silence doubts and secure his role in India’s flexible batting order.
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