‘Playing him as finisher won’t work’ – Former India cricketer on Sanju Samson’s role in Asia Cup

Indian opener Sanju Samson has firmly proven his credentials at the top of the order. Having scored three centuries while opening, he has embraced India’s modern T20 philosophy of attacking from the very first ball. Former India cricketer WV Raman recently pointed out the upcoming challenge for the team management, noting that with Shubman Gill expected to open the batting, there remains a conundrum regarding where Samson will fit into the XI.

Samson and Abhishek Sharma have forged a formidable opening partnership in recent months and their aggressive starts have been instrumental in India’s dominance in the shortest format. In fact, since winning the T20 World Cup 2024, India have not lost a single bilateral T20I series.

However, Gill’s appointment as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025 adds complexity to India’s batting order. While Samson’s consistency as an opener has been commendable, questions linger over whether he will be shifted down the order or continue in his preferred role.

“There is a question mark over Sanju Samson’s place in the team. As far as I am concerned, he should be in the playing XI. Where should he bat in the XI? Playing him at number five or six or as a finisher won’t work. Sanju Samson should play in the top three. If he plays in the top three, straight away, he would seal the innings for India. He can hit the ball well when it comes onto the bat. It could serve the team well if he plays in the top three,” WV Raman said on his YouTube channel.

Raman conceded that only a few spots remain in India’s batting lineup, and the available gaps may not be ideal for Samson. With the top order looking settled, fitting Samson into his preferred role as an opener remains a challenge for the team management.

India announced their playing XI against UAE for the Asia Cup 2025 clash, with both Gill and Samson included. While Gill is set to open, Samson has been slotted in at No. 5, a position where he has had limited opportunities in the past.

“That leaves us with a few other spots, for which the likes of Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh are in contention. Who, among them, should play? Where should they play? This is a headache for Gautam Gambhir and the management. However, these are good headaches to have for the management. If you look at it, there are no gaps in this team. What I mean by that is that regardless of conditions, they can adapt to that and pick a XI for those conditions. That XI can also perform in those conditions,” Raman said.

Raman also pointed out that with Gill being appointed as vice-captain, the team management clearly views him as a long-term option in leadership. Gill has already shown promise in that role, having captained India to a 2-2 draw against England in the five-match Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year.

“Shubman Gill has returned as the vice-captain of the team. I feel the reason behind his recall is a long-term plan. I feel there is a plan to look at him as an all-format captain. He did well in Test cricket in England. Not many expected those types of performances, but both in his batting and captaincy, he did well. He could open the batting here. There is Abhishek Sharma with him. He’s a phenomenal T20 player as well,” said Raman.

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