Before the T20 series against South Africaindian captain Suryakumar Yadav Addresses one of the most debated topics in Indian cricket – who fits where in India’s batting order. with Shubman Gill return to the squad and sanju samson Showcasing exceptional home form, questions surrounding India’s starting combination have taken center stage. However, Suryakumar’s candid stance indicates that although both players are important to the setup, their roles at the top will not overlap.
Shubman Gill or Sanju Samson? Suryakumar Yadav told who will take the opening slot
Gill returns with all-rounder hardik pandyaHas added both stability and firepower to India’s T20I team. Gill, who has quickly risen to the leadership role as vice-captain, is expected to resume as an opening batsman – a position he has made his own in recent months.
This directly impacts Samson, who showed impressive consistency as an opening batsman last year while building a strong partnership Abhishek SharmaHowever, his successful performances did not guarantee consistency, as seen during the Asia Cup where he was moved back to the middle order, With Gill’s return, that change has become more permanent, Suryakumar offered clarity saying that the top order is yet to be decided, He acknowledged Samson’s previous success but reiterated Gil’s priority,
“Apart from the openers, everyone has to be flexible. Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series and hence he deserved to take that spot.” Suryakumar said in the press conference before the match.
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Suryakumar explains the reason behind the reshuffle in the role of Samson
Samson’s current touch in domestic cricket is giving further fuel to this debate. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy The campaign – featuring scores of 51, 43, 46, and 73 – shows a batsman in dominant form. Many hoped that such a performance would open the doors to the top again for him. However, Suryakumar stressed that Samson’s value now lies in his ability to adapt in the middle order. The team management sees flexibility as the cornerstone of its T20 batting blueprint. He praised Samson’s willingness to bat between the third and sixth positions and described it as a quality that strengthens India’s tactical depth.
“We gave Sanju enough chances – he is ready to bat at any number. Both are in the scheme of things… one can open, the other can bat down the order. Both can play all roles. They are a good asset and a good batsman.” Surya added.
With Hardik’s place as the finisher and sixth bowler guaranteed, the competition for the remaining middle-order spots remains intense. Samson’s challenge is not his ability but the structural requirements of the team.
