Following the declaration of the 15-member Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025, a fresh chapter seems to have commenced with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm. While the team’s structure reflects the prospects of Indian cricket, it has also ignited discussion surrounding a prominent player: Sanju Samson. His consistent displays have established him as a firm favorite among supporters and a strong candidate for a place in the starting eleven. However, with the newly appointed vice-captain Shubman Gill anticipated to commence the batting, Samson’s established position at the top of the batting order is now uncertain. Consequently, enthusiasts and analysts are pondering how the team will accommodate a player of his abilities.
What batting position should Sanju Samson occupy in the Asia Cup 2025? Sunil Gavaskar provides insights
Sunil Gavaskar, a renowned figure and an astute observer of the sport, has offered a clear answer to this selection challenge. He suggests that excluding Sanju Samson from the starting eleven would be a significant error, particularly given his recent outstanding performances. During a discussion on Sony Sports Network, Gavaskar acknowledged the difficulty in selecting from multiple talented batters. Gavaskar’s primary suggestion involves utilizing Samson’s adaptability at the number three position. He contends that this role would enable Samson to enter early and establish a strong base, utilizing his ability to execute various shots and stabilize the innings.
‘The selection committee faces a tough decision with several capable batsmen and a player like Sanju Samson who has the potential to bat at number three,” Gavaskar stated
Samson’s recent form, demonstrated by his impressive 355 runs in four innings in the Kerala Cricket League (including a century and three half-centuries), confirms his capability to manage the pressure and responsibilities of a top-order batter.
Gavaskar suggests an additional crucial role for Samson
Demonstrating strategic versatility, Gavaskar also suggested a second, equally vital role for Samson. He proposed that if the top order consisting of Abhishek Sharma, Gill, and others performs well, Samson could serve as an ideal finisher at number six. This position, essential in contemporary T20 cricket, requires a player capable of immediately shifting the game’s momentum. With his powerful hitting and ability to consistently clear the boundary, Samson is well-suited for this role.
“And if necessary, he can bat at six as a finisher. Jitesh has also performed admirably in the recent IPL. However, I believe Samson will likely be selected. Considering his performance in the T20 format during the IPL, it’s an obvious choice. He has achieved considerable success in the T20 format for the IPL, so his ability to perform well in T20 is undeniable. His current form, where he has accumulated over 750 runs in the recently concluded Test series, is a positive sign for the T20 tournament,” Gavaskar concluded
Gavaskar’s statement underscores the significance of having a player adaptable to different scenarios and capable of providing the team with much-needed momentum in the final overs. This solution not only resolves the selection dilemma but also introduces a new, explosive dimension to India’s batting lineup. By including a player like Samson, India gains a versatile asset capable of rebuilding an innings or launching an attack against the opposition in the final overs. Gavaskar’s insight emphasizes that a player’s value extends beyond a single position, and Samson’s talent warrants his inclusion in the team, regardless of his batting position.
