The Indian cricket team's batting order has recently come under scrutiny, with questions arising about the optimal utilization of talented players like Sanju Samson. Amidst these discussions, politician and cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor has voiced his opinion, suggesting a change in the opening combination.
Tharoor's proposition centers on the idea that Sanju Samson should open the innings alongside the in-form Abhishek Sharma, rather than Shubman Gill. This suggestion stems from a perceived underutilization of Samson's abilities and a belief that he could be more effective in a more prominent role.
Several factors contribute to this line of thought. Firstly, Samson has demonstrated his prowess as an opener in T20Is, showcasing his ability to score quickly and set the tone for the innings. Secondly, concerns have been raised about frequent changes to the batting order, which can disrupt a player's rhythm and confidence. Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has also expressed his concern over the frequent changes in the Indian middle-order during the ongoing 2025 Asia Cup. He believes the top four should remain fixed. Thirdly, there's a sentiment that Samson hasn't consistently received the opportunities he deserves, despite his talent and potential.
The debate around India's batting order isn't new. Experts and fans alike have often questioned the team management's decisions, particularly regarding the treatment of players like Samson. For instance, during the 2025 Asia Cup, Samson's demotion in the batting order to number 8 in a match against Bangladesh raised eyebrows, especially considering India's strong position early in the innings. Former cricketer Varun Aaron questioned the logic behind sending Axar Patel ahead of Samson, who has three T20I centuries.
Sanjay Manjrekar has also criticized the team management's decision to promote Shivam Dube to No. 3 in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Bangladesh. Sunil Gavaskar has also criticized the Men in Blue for too many changes in the batting order, pointing out that it disrupts the team's rhythm.
Tharoor himself has been a long-time advocate for Samson, often expressing hisSupport and disappointment when the Kerala batsman is overlooked. He has, in the past, highlighted Samson's impressive average in ODIs and questioned his omission from squads. In fact, Tharoor once referred to Samson as the "next MS Dhoni," showcasing his belief in the player's potential.
While Shubman Gill is undoubtedly a talented player, the argument for promoting Samson to open alongside Sharma is based on optimizing the team's batting potential and providing Samson with a consistent role where he can thrive. Sharma has also been in good form, providing India with fiery starts. In a recent match, he smashed 75 off 37 deliveries, further solidifying his position as a dynamic opener.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the team management, who must weigh various factors such as team balance, player form, and tactical considerations. However, the voices advocating for Samson's promotion highlight a desire to see his talent fully utilized and a belief that he can make a significant impact at the top of the order. As India prepares for future tournaments, the debate surrounding the batting order is likely to continue, with fans and experts eagerly awaiting the team's approach to maximizing its batting firepower.
