Sanju Samson is going to the Asia Cup 2025 but where he’ll bat is still a mystery. Shubman Gill is back in the mix and has been named vice-captain of the T20I team so the opening spots are up for grabs.
Under Gautam Gambhir, Samson was a regular in the T20I team. Now with Gill back, Samson might have to fight to keep his place as an opener. For the last year he and Abhishek Sharma have been the opening pair in this format. But with Sanju, Gill and Abhishek all in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, one of them will have to bat lower down the order during the tournament. Many think Gill’s return means he’s almost certain to open and that will push Sanju down the order.
Despite all the speculation about where Sanju will bat, his long time mentor and coach Raiphi Gomez isn’t worried. He’s confident in Sanju’s ability to adapt, saying he can bat anywhere.
Read Also:- Afghanistan Announce Their Squad for The UAE T20 Series
According to The Telegraph, Gomez said, “Sanju is flexible and can adjust if he needs to bat lower down. He’s a professional and his adaptability is his strength. He’s very sure of what he can do.”
Gomez also said that all the talk about his batting position hasn’t bothered Sanju. Gomez made it clear that Sanju isn’t listening to outside noise or pressure. Instead he’s focused on doing his best for India.
Gomez added, “Has Sanju said he’s feeling pressure? No. All that chatter is outside noise and we’re not worried about it. We’re focused on making sure Sanju keeps improving his batting. He’s only thinking about what he needs to do for India.”
Earlier this year people wondered if Sanju was up to the task after he struggled against England’s fast bowlers in the T20I series at home. Then an injury cut his IPL 2025 short and he wasn’t consistent and people doubted his future with India.
But Sanju worked hard at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. He not only got back in shape but also worked on his batting. Now it seems to be paying off as he’s finding his form again in the Kerala Cricket League where he recently scored a record breaking century. Gomez thinks Sanju is out of his tough phase and is mentally and physically sharper than before. He’s ready for whatever comes his way and will do whatever India needs him to do in the Asia Cup 2025.
Gomez said, “What happened in the England T20Is is normal. Every cricketer goes through that. After his IPL injury he spent time at the BCCI Centre of Excellence to get back in shape. Now he looks good, playing well in these KCL matches.”
