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Sanju Samson Conundrum: Analysing His Ideal Batting Spot In Asia Cup Match Vs UAE

Anurag Dasgupta

Where will Samson bat vs UAE? [Source: AFP Photo] Where will Samson bat vs UAE? [Source: AFP Photo]

India made some baffling choices when it came to their playing XI selection for the Asia Cup clash against the UAE. It was widely expected that Sanju Samson, the keeper-batter, would be dropped from the playing XI due to the arrival of vice-captain, Shubman Gill, at the top. However, surprisingly, he was retained in the team.

With Tilak Varma, Samson, and Shivam Dube all in the playing XI, an interesting question arises - where will Samson bat in the second innings?. Will he bat in the middle order? will Gill sacrifice his position at the top?.

Samson's possible batting position in the playing XI VS UAE

  • If all the permutations and combinations fall into place, then Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill will bat at the top of the order. In the last year, Samson has been a regular opener, but with Gill’s arrival, he could be demoted in the batting order.
  • With the opening position snatched, Samson has two slots where he could play in the second innings. The first one is the number 3 position, but there are multiple candidates for the same spot. Tilak Varma also loves to bat at the same spot, and he has been doing so for India in the last year. However, demoting Samson below the number 3 spot would be an injustice to his skills.
  • With a righty-lefty batter opening the innings, if Abhishek Sharma departs first, then India would want to continue with the left-right pattern, and Tilak Varma could come in at 3. If Gill departs, then there is a solid chance for Samson to come in at three. However, there is one catch. In the Kerala Cricket League, Samson batted at number 5 for a couple of matches, and perhaps, it was an indication of his batting position in the Asia Cup.

Samson's record at number 5 in IPL

Criterion
Data
Matches3
Runs34
Average11.33
Strike rate136

(Samson at number 5 in IPL)

  • In the IPL, he hasn’t done much at number 5, but the Kerala batter could be forced to play at an unusual position, especially with India backing Tilak at 3.
  • Gambhir has backed Tilak at 3, and unless a change of plan takes place, Samson will bat at 5 against the UAE.

Final verdict

Unless a change of plan occurs, Samson might have to sacrifice his favourite spot, and has to bat at number 5. India have backed Tilak at 3, and they would like to continue with the same formula.