With India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement sparking new debates, Sanju Samson’s role in the batting lineup has once again come under the spotlight. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has often been seen as an opener in T20Is, might be preparing for a different challenge this time.

Gill-Abhishek opening combo locks the top order

Shubman Gill’s return to India’s T20 squad, not just as a player but as the vice-captain, has shifted the dynamics. Gill is expected to open alongside the young and explosive Abhishek Sharma, leaving little room for Samson at the top. Tilak Varma, despite an inconsistent IPL, is likely to cement the No. 3 spot given his recent T20I runs, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav continues to dominate at No. 4.

This effectively means the top four batting positions are sealed: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Samson’s struggle: From opener to middle order?

Samson, who had a poor outing against England earlier this year with a top score of just 26 across five matches, has nevertheless shown his capability with three T20I centuries in his last 10 innings. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly reassured Samson of a longer run in the side, but that might mean adjusting to a different batting slot.

In the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), Samson has notably not batted in the top 4 positions, a move many see as preparation for a potential middle-order role with India. This transition is significant because India’s No. 5–7 positions are crucial for finishing games, rotating strike, and providing stability if the top order collapses.

Who takes No. 5 – Samson, Axar or Jitesh?

The puzzle intensifies when we consider that Axar Patel has recently been used at No. 5 to provide balance and power-hitting. Add to that Hardik Pandya’s role as a natural finisher at No. 6, and the picture becomes even more complicated.

So, where does that leave Samson? Does he slot in at No. 5 as a stabilizer and stroke-maker? Or does India prefer a natural finisher like Jitesh Sharma, who has been impressive in domestic cricket and IPL in that exact role?

Signs of concern but also opportunity

The fact that Samson is already experimenting with batting outside the top order could be a sign of what’s to come in the Asia Cup. While it may feel like a setback for the Kerala star, it could also be an opportunity to reinvent himself as a middle-order mainstay.

India’s middle order has often been a talking point in big tournaments. A flexible player like Samson, who can anchor innings and accelerate when needed, might prove invaluable. But the pressure is on—one or two failures could see him replaced by a specialist finisher.

As the Asia Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Samson—whether he embraces this role shift and delivers for India, or if his inconsistency costs him dearly in a format where competition for spots is at its fiercest.

The Turning Point on Tour

After enduring a series of stinging defeats—three consecutive losses in T20s and a heavy loss in the opening one-day match—the India A Women finally turned the tide by clinching their first win of the tour, defeating the Australia A Women in the opening one-day game of the ongoing series.

Tour Recap: A Rocky Start

• T20 Tragedy: India A Women were clean swept in the T20 series, suffering heavy defeats including a crushing 114-run loss in the second game.
• ODI Opener Doesn’t Help: In the first 50-over match, Australia A comfortably chased down India A’s 249/9—propelled by a dominant 129 from Katie Mack—winning by four wickets with 18 balls in hand

A Win at Last: Building Momentum

In the first one-day match of the series—which was actually the second ODI fixture on the tour—India A Women emerged victorious, posting a much-needed morale-boosting performance. This win marked their first points on the board, bringing respite after a challenging stretch.

Analysis: What Worked for India A

While details of how they secured the win are still emerging, the result speaks volumes:

1. Resilience in Batting: Rebounding after their earlier collapse in the opener.
2. Championing with Their Bowlers: They must have tightened discipline in the field to secure this breakthrough.
3. Team Intent: A determined mindset to salvage pride and confidence towards the latter stages of the tour.

What’s Next: Can They Sustain the Bounce Back?

• Upcoming ODIs: India A now has a real chance to level the series if they can capitalize on this momentum.
• Building Confidence: A win under pressure often reinvigorates morale—watch for how leadership, especially Minnu Mani, steers the side now.
• Areas to Improve: All-round sharpened skills—particularly in death overs, spin handling, and strategic partnerships—will be key for consistent results.

Takeaway

This win isn’t just about the stat sheet—it’s about the team proving their mettle in adversity. After being outplayed in both formats, India A Women showed grit and determination to finally open their account. Now the question remains: Can they ignite a late rally and flip the tone of this tour?

Geoff Boycott Blasts England’s “Gobby” Attitude Amid Handshake Snub

Former England opener and pundit Sir Geoff Boycott didn’t hold back in his cutting critique following a recent controversy during the England vs India Test series. At the centre of the drama was a snubbed handshake incident that has now drawn his withering commentary.

The Incident That Sparked Controversy

• During the final day of the Manchester Test, England captain Ben Stokes reportedly offered India a draw with an hour before scheduled close of play. India declined. Shortly thereafter, a handshake was allegedly snubbed, escalating tensions among the teams and spectators
• Boycott’s reaction was scathing—labelling England as “gobby,” implying they talk excessively yet back it up with little substance.

Boycott’s Take—Why India Doesn’t Owe Courtesy

• Boycott questioned the logic: “Why should India be nice to them?” His remarks aimed at England’s conduct—suggesting India’s restraint had limits in the face of what he sees as pompous and unearned bravado
• He stressed that teams must earn respect on the field, not merely voice ambitions or theatrics.

His Broader Criticism of Bazball and England’s Strategy

• Earlier this year, Boycott was vocal in his denunciation of England’s Bazball philosophy—a high-risk aggressive batting approach. Calling it “reckless,” he warned it cost England several Test matches, urging the team to adopt common sense instead
• He pointed out England’s chronic failure to qualify for World Test Championship finals—despite hosting the last three—calling it an embarrassment and lamenting their unwillingness to learn from defeats
• Boycott routinely emphasises that words must be matched with deeds, admonishing players who “talk big” but don’t perform—as he did in the Rajkot Test, particularly targeting Ben Duckett’s post-innings boasts

What Boycott Is Calling For

1. Humility and Cricket Intelligence
   According to Boycott, England must temper flair with discipline and respect the opposition, not expect entitlement in sportsmanship.
2. Smarter Play, Not Just Entertainment
   He believes winning matters more than aggressive entertainment and criticises England’s “one‑trick‑pony” approach of Bazball or bust
3. Responsibility from the Dressing Room
   Leadership—from both coach and skipper—must hold players accountable for both conduct and performance.

Why His Opinion Matters

• Boycott is famed for his uncompromising honesty—never one to mince words. His history of calling out both England players and strategy lends weight to his position.
• As a former opener with over 8,000 Test runs and a decorated career, Boycott’s criticism demands attention rather than being dismissed as mere punditry

Final Take: A Question, Not Just a Critique

There’s a rhetorical depth to Boycott’s question—why should India extend niceties if England hasn’t earned them? It poses a broader principle: sportsmanship is reciprocal. Respect is tied to conduct—both verbal and substantive—on the pitch.

This video highlight captures Boycott excoriating England’s approach—symbolic of his broader frustration with their recent self-assured posturing and perceived lack of substance.