Sanju Samson's role in the Indian batting lineup has been a subject of much discussion during the Asia Cup 2025, with the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter facing questions about his adaptability and place in the team. With the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I fold, Samson had to relinquish his opening spot, where he had achieved considerable success, scoring 487 runs in 18 matches with three centuries since January 2024. This shift has required him to embrace a different role in the middle order, a challenge he seems ready to accept with a unique perspective.
In an interview with Sanjay Manjrekar before India's Super 4 match against Bangladesh, Samson drew a parallel to veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal, who recently received a prestigious award. Referencing Mohanlal's ability to portray diverse characters over his 30-40 year career, Samson stated, "So I can't say that I only can do a hero role. I need to be a villain, I need to be a joker. I need to play around". He emphasized the importance of versatility and flexibility in a highly competitive Indian team setup.
Samson acknowledged that the team management has clearly communicated his new role, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute. He stated that he aims to get his eye in, hit a few sixes, and make a positive impact. Despite not getting a chance to bat in the match against Bangladesh, where he was slotted in at No. 8, Samson seems determined to make the most of any opportunity he gets.
However, adjusting to the No. 5 position hasn't been seamless. In the Super 4 clash against Pakistan, Samson scored just 13 runs off 17 balls. India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, believes that Samson is still figuring out how to play that role. Ten Doeschate remains confident that Samson will adapt and deliver in the future, especially with the strong performances of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has questioned Samson's selection in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, referring to him as the "weak link". Akhtar suggested that KL Rahul might have been a better fit.
Despite the external criticism and internal adjustments, Samson's positive attitude and willingness to embrace any role for the team have been widely praised. His mentor, Raiphi Gomez, highlighted Samson's adaptability and confidence, stating that he is ready to adjust roles as needed. Anjum Chopra, former India women's captain, acknowledged Samson's talent but pointed out that he has struggled to cement his place despite numerous opportunities. She believes that while he has the potential to succeed in the middle order, Abhishek Sharma has currently grabbed his opportunity.
Adding to the pressure, a controversial catch taken by Samson to dismiss Fakhar Zaman in the India-Pakistan match sparked debate. Although the third umpire's decision to give Zaman out was initially met with disagreement from some experts, fresh video evidence confirmed that Samson's catch was clean. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) even lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) questioning the umpire's ruling.
As India progresses towards the Asia Cup final, Samson's ability to adapt and perform in his assigned role will be crucial. His willingness to be a "villain" or a "joker" for the team showcases his commitment and positive mindset amidst the challenges and uncertainties surrounding his batting position.
