India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav in the captains’ press conference prior to T20 Asia Cup 2025 said that he would “be taking really good care” of Sanju Samson, who lost his opening spot to vice-captain Shubman Gill. Samson batted out of his place for the most of T20 Asia Cup 2025. More than a week after India’s thrilling win over Pakistan in the final, captain Surykumar has said that amidst speculation of Samson getting benched and Jitesh Sharma batting in the middle order, head coach Gautam Gambhir had already made up his mind.
“With the addition of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma in the squad, everyone thought Jitesh would start over Sanju Samson. But Gauti bhai was clear from day one that Sanju should play, no matter which batting position he is in," Suryakumar said while speaking on Vimal Kumar’s podcast.
How Samson performed in different positions in T20 Asia Cup 2025?
Samson did not get to bat in the first two group stage matches against UAE and Pakistan. He got an opportunity to bat against Oman as Suryakumar chose not to bat. He replied with a half-century.
In the Super Four clash against Pakistan, he batted at no.5 and scored 13 runs from 17 balls in the run chase. Against Bangladesh, despite a century against them, he was slotted to bat at no.8 and Axar Patel batted ahead of him. In the inconsequential clash against Sri Lanka, he scored 39 runs from 23 runs at no.5. He hit three sixes in his cameo.
In the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final, Samson had to walk out to bat at no.5 after fourth over. India were 20/3 in the run chase of 147. He scored 24 runs from 21 balls and shared a crucial partnership of 57 runs for the fourth wicket with Tilak Varma who remained unbeaten for a 53-ball 69.
What Samson said about batting at different positions?
“When you wear that Indian jersey, you cannot say no to anything. I have really worked very hard to wear that jersey and more importantly, to stay in their dressing room," Samson said at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai earlier this week.
“I take a lot of pride in doing a job for my country. So even if they want to bat me at number 9, maybe bowl some left arm spin, I think I am happy to do that as well. So whatever job for the country, I think I do not mind," the 30-year-old added.
Will Samson play as a floater in Australia too?
The five-T20I series against Australia begins on October 29. With vice-captain Gill yet to score big as opener alongside menacing Abhishek Sharma, it will be interesting to see whether Samson gets his spot back during the series, months ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 at home.