Sanju Samson's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad and the subsequent debate surrounding his ideal batting position highlight the complexities of team selection in cricket. While Samson is a talented player with a strong fan base, his inability to cement a fixed spot in the Indian team stems from a combination of factors, including team dynamics and perceived inconsistency.

Samson was initially included in the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023 as a reserve player. However, he was released from the squad after KL Rahul, who had been recovering from a niggle, joined the team. This decision, while practical from a team perspective, left Samson without an opportunity to showcase his skills in the tournament.

The primary issue revolves around where Samson fits into India's batting lineup. He has primarily been an opener in T20Is, especially after Rohit Sharma's retirement, and has achieved considerable success in that role. However, with Shubman Gill's return and his elevation to vice-captaincy, the opening slots are likely to be occupied. This leaves Samson potentially vying for a middle-order position, specifically No. 6, a role that requires a different skillset.

Sunil Gavaskar suggested utilizing Samson's versatility at the number three position, allowing him to build a solid foundation. Gavaskar also proposed that if the top order is firing, Samson could be a perfect finisher at number six.

However, there's little evidence to suggest Samson is suited to the No. 6 role. He has predominantly thrived as a top-order batter throughout his T20 career, with limited experience and success in the middle order. Asking him to suddenly adapt to a finisher's role in a high-pressure tournament like the Asia Cup would be a gamble. Furthermore, other players, like Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh, are perceived to be better suited for that role.

Samson's selection, or lack thereof, also reflects India's team-first approach. Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the need for flexibility among batters, indicating a willingness to shuffle positions based on the team's needs. This adaptability, while beneficial for the team, can sometimes leave individual players like Samson in a precarious situation.

Ultimately, Samson's exclusion and the debate over his batting position underscore a common dilemma in team sports: balancing individual talent with team requirements. While Samson undoubtedly possesses talent and potential, his inability to adapt to different roles and the team's need for specific skillsets in certain positions have seemingly worked against him. The team management appears to be prioritizing players who fit specific roles and contribute to the overall team balance, even if it means leaving out a potentially explosive player like Sanju Samson.