It’s great that Sanju Samson has managed to retain his spot in the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025. But with Shubman Gill back in the format, and Abhishek Sharma already there, will the Kerala batter get in the playing XI? And he does, what position will be play. Look, for now, something says, Sanju is not opening. Then where would he bat, and would it really make a difference if he bats in any position, other than the top 2?
Sanju Samson Could be Wasted in Middle-Order
Just to understand this, it becomes imperative to look at his T20 record at all positions, not just in the international circuit, but all the other tournaments like IPL and the domestic tournament — Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. That will give a clearer idea, as to where he is the most effective.
As is obvious, he has only played T20s for four teams — erstwhile Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Team India, and Kerala. In all he has 304 matches to his name where he has amassed 7629 runs at an average of 29.68, with 6 tons. Now coming to slot-wise performance.
| Batting Position | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 69 | 1922 | 29.56 | 3 |
| 3 | 134 | 4136 | 35.65 | 3 |
| 4 | 66 | 1290 | 22.63 | 0 |
| 5 | 15 | 108 | 12.00 | 0 |
| 6 | 14 | 128 | 16.00 | 0 |
| 7 | 3 | 40 | 20 | 0 |
Opening or No.3 Best Suited
At the opening slot — in 69 matches he has 1922 runs to his name, at an average of 29.56 and three tons. Come no. 3, he has played 134 matches, scored 4136 runs at an average or 35 with three tons. But none of them are international tons. In fact, at 3 only averages 11 in T20Is. At No. 4 overall, in 66 matches he has scored 1290 runs, no tons there, at an average of 22.
At no.5 in 15 matches, he has only scored 108 runs at an average of 12. His highest score is 30. Going further down, his terrible record only continues. 14 encounters have seen him get only 128 runs with a highest of 30. The average now is 16. No. 7, Sanju Samson has batted only three times, with 40 runs only. So, it’s quite evident, it’s futile to waste him beyond the opening slot.
While his decent no. 3 numbers can add to bit of a confusion, but it must be clarified, that there is vast difference in what he has done in T20s and T20Is. Yes, looking at the next T20 World Cup, if Team India management is convinced of him as a no. 3 player — then why not, but if the goal is only short-term, if might just not help Samson’s case.
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