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Urgent Strategic Reform Needed: Why India Should Play Sanju Samson At No. 3 vs Oman

Jatin

Sanju Samson hasn't batted so far in Asia Cup [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/x.com]Sanju Samson hasn't batted so far in Asia Cup [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/x.com]

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson had been breathing fire at the top in T20Is for India. They were setting the tone early, breaking the back of the new ball and giving the middle order a cushion but with Shubman Gill walking back into the T20I set-up as vice-captain, Samson has been pushed down the pecking order.

In the first two games at the Asia Cup 2025, Samson’s bat hasn’t even left the rack. India crushed United Arab Emirates by nine wickets chasing 58 and then brushed past Pakistan while chasing 128 with seven wickets in hand and Samson didn’t get a look-in. It’s clear the think-tank has earmarked him for finishing duties.

But with India facing Oman next in Abu Dhabi, this might be the perfect match to roll the dice and send Sanju Samson in at No. 3. India are favourites to win the clash and their qualification in Super Fours is all but sealed. Let’s take a look at why this experiment makes cricketing sense.

3. Testing The Waters Early

Samson has been sitting cold while others are getting game time under their belt. That is not ideal heading into crunch games. Batting him at No. 3 will give him valuable game time before the Super Fours.

Getting a hit out in the middle, feeling the pace of the surface and finding rhythm before the knockouts could be priceless. A batter can’t just walk in cold and switch gears straightaway as rhythm is a habit, not a button.

2. Trial Run For Bigger Battles

If India go deep, there might come a day when they need someone solid to plug in at No. 3. This Oman clash is a perfect dry run to see if Samson fits that bill.

Trying him out now would clear the air on whether he can anchor if an early wicket falls in a high-pressure clash. Better to figure that out against Oman than gamble in a semifinal.

1. Letting Samson Unleash Without Pressure

There is also the mental side of it. At the death, there is barely room to breathe. But at No. 3, with the field spread and time on his side, Samson can free his arms.

He is a natural timer of the ball and once he gets his eye in, bowlers start disappearing. Giving him a pressure-free stage now could unlock the version of Samson that wins you big games later.

Conclusion

India have one foot in the Super Fours. This Oman clash is a golden chance to tinker a little. Slotting Samson at No. 3 won’t might be the spark he needs to light up the tournament. Because it is better to sharpen the sword now than polish it when the battle has already begun.