The most asked question ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 is Sanju Samson’s position in the playing XI. The 30-year-old has been India’s opening batter alongside Abhishek Sharma for the past year. However, with the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the squad, that combination has come under scrutiny.
Gill’s return as vice-captain has made Sanju’s role at the top uncertain, especially since Abhishek Sharma has cemented his place as the preferred opener. But those doubts were put to rest when Sanju Samson was listed in the squad as a middle-order batter and the designated wicketkeeper confirming his role in the team for the Asia Cup.
As an opener, Samson has been impressive in the shortest format, averaging 34.75 with a blistering strike rate of 182. He’s also solid at No. 3, averaging 38.6. However, his numbers drop significantly at No. 4, where he averages just 19.3.
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His struggles become more evident at No. 5 and below, where he averages only 11.3 and has a noticeably lower strike rate compared to his top-order performances.
Sanju Samson Gears Up for Middle-Order Role Ahead of T20 World Cup
In preparation for this shift, Samson tried out a middle-order role during the Kerala Cricket League ahead of the Asia Cup. While it wasn't a dominant showing, he did gain valuable experience and managed to play a few key knocks in that position.
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Now expected to play in the middle order, Samson is also set to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper going into the T20 World Cup. Jitesh Sharma is likely to be the backup and could be used in the finisher role when opportunities arise, according to the selectors.
With Gautam Gambhir backing Sanju in the middle order, the 30-year-old now faces the challenge of consistency. He’ll need to establish himself in this new role with the limited chances he gets ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
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