Sanju Samson doesn’t bat in Top 4 in KCL ahead of Asia Cup 2025 – Is a Middle-Order Role Waiting?

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.