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"Deserves long rope": Ex-Coach requests India to stick with Samson for T20I series vs AUS

Sakshi Sharma

Abhishek Nayar on Sanju Samson (Source: AFP)Abhishek Nayar on Sanju Samson (Source: AFP)

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has urged the Indian team management to give Sanju Samson consistent opportunities in the middle order in the upcoming T20I series against Australia. Nayar emphasised that the Kerala batter should not be shuffled around in the lineup, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching.

Nayar backs Sanju Samson for consistent batting position

It was seen in the Asia Cup 2025 that to fit in Shubman Gill at the top with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson was moved down to the middle order. To avoid a similar situation ahead of the T20I series, speaking to Star Sports, Abhishek Nayar said Australian conditions will likely suit Samson’s attacking style, and so he should be backed and consistently allotted at the same batting position.

"If you look at Sanju Samson, as you said, he hasn't done anything wrong. So, if you can consistently make him bat at the same number until the World Cup, then he's your man. In Australian conditions, everyone knows Sanju likes to play pickup pull and cut shots on bouncy wickets. These conditions will suit his game...Sanju Samson deserves a long rope," said Nayar.

It is important to mention that as Sanju was moved down the batting line-up in Asia Cup, it also impacted his performance. 

In the Asia Cup 2025, Samson scored 132 runs in 7 matches at an average of 33 with a strike rate of 124.53. However, the fact that can be ignored is that the RR batter delivered made crucial contributions in challenging situations, proving his ability to perform under pressure.

Having said all this, it will be interesting to see whether Sanju Samson finds a place in the playing XI for the first T20I against Australia. According to his recent performance and experience, Gautam Gambhir and Team India will likely prefer Sanju over Jitesh Sharma. If he gets the nod, all eyes will also be on his batting position.