Could Sanju Samson Be India’s Vulnerability in the Middle Order?
Sunil, a taxi driver in Dubai for 18 years, fondly recalls two instances of driving Indian cricketer Sanju Samson to the airport. Hailing from the same village in Kerala, Sunil describes Samson as a “true gentleman.” As India competes in the Asia Cup, Samson has garnered significant attention, receiving the loudest cheers from fans. At 30, he faces a new challenge in his T20 career, as he has been assigned a middle-order batting role, a departure from his usual position at the top of the order for both the Rajasthan Royals and the national team.
Sanju Samson’s New Role in the Asia Cup
Sanju Samson has been thrust into an unfamiliar position in the batting lineup during the Asia Cup. Traditionally a top-order batsman, he has been asked to adapt to a middle-order role. In his first two matches, he scored a modest 56 runs off 45 balls against Oman but struggled against Pakistan, managing only 17 runs. His performance has raised questions about his ability to handle the pressure of batting in the middle order, especially as he has not excelled in this position in the past. In 23 matches as a non-opener for India, his average stands at just 20.40, with a strike rate of 121.8.
Team Dynamics and Support for Samson
Despite his struggles, Samson has the backing of the coaching staff. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate believes that Samson is still “figuring out” how to effectively play in the middle order. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the pitch conditions and emphasizes that the team is looking for a reliable No. 5 batsman. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has also expressed unwavering support for Samson, stating that he would not drop him from the team, regardless of his performance. This level of confidence from the coaching staff is crucial as Samson navigates this new role.
The Flexible Middle Order Strategy
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has outlined a flexible approach to the batting order, emphasizing that players must be adaptable. He stated that aside from the openers, all batsmen should be prepared to bat in various positions based on the team’s needs. This strategy aims to create a dynamic batting lineup capable of responding to different match situations. As India prepares for their next match against Bangladesh, where Samson previously scored a remarkable 100, he will have another opportunity to solidify his place in the lineup and prove his worth in the middle order.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the Asia Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson to see if he can rise to the occasion. With Jitesh Sharma performing well for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, the competition for the middle-order spot is fierce. Bangladesh’s bowling attack is expected to target Samson with spin, presenting a significant challenge. However, with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, there remains hope that he will adapt and thrive in this new role, contributing to India’s success in the tournament.
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