Sanju Samson debate: Ashwin says Sanju Samson was “wasted at No. 6 in T20Is,” calling it “extraordinary”
Teams have begun to reveal their preliminary squads for the 2023 ODI World Cup as it approaches, but the Indian team is still looking for the ideal lineup for their batting order. Many of these questions, like whether Sanju Samson can fit into the squad, may have their answers at the Asia Cup.
Samson’s performances in ODIs and T20Is have been quite different. He has performed well for India in the 50-over format while batting in the middle and lower middle order, amassing 390 runs in 13 matches with an average of 55.71 and a strike rate of 104.00. However, Samson has only amassed 334 runs in T20Is, doing it in 23 games with a strike rate of 131.49 and an average of 18.55. Samson is at ease playing in the top three in this format, however the Indian management continues to place him in the lower middle order during T20Is, which is one of the criticisms leveled at them.
While there are interesting choices like Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh to pick from for the post of ODI finisher, Samson may be chosen ahead of them, according to Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Rinku is a left-hander, while Jitesh is a right-hander. The roles for numbers 5 and 6 might both match Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh. Sanju Samson, rather than Jitesh Sharma, would likely be chosen as the goalie, in my opinion. Sanju’s opportunity to bat at number three and serve as the team’s keeper throughout this series is exceptional. He will undoubtedly bat at number three or four, according to Ashwin’s YouTube profile.
Sanju Samson is a top-order batsman, then why is he playing at number 6 in T20Is? That is the subject of another argument. As you can see, Team India’s top four have been really strong.
“Only if Rahul is not fit, Kohli at No. 4”
Virat Kohli’s promotion to the problematic No. 4 slot had been mooted by the former head coach of India, but Ashwin believes it would only happen if KL Rahul is unable to participate in the World Cup. “In the World Cup [2011], Virat Kohli batted in position number four. In fact, Ravi Bhai suggested that Virat Kohli bat from position four if required. According to Ashwin on his Youtube channel, “I believe he suggested it so that we can accommodate a left-hander.
“The only way that can happen is if KL Rahul doesn’t get well, and they may open with Ishan Kishan when they need a keeper. Shreyas Iyer is one of Team India’s go-to batters in ODI matches, so that is the only other alternative, he added.
