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?

The Incident: Sudden Shock at Old Trafford

During the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Rishabh Pant attempted a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on Day 1. The ball struck his right foot with force, and what seemed minor turned serious fast.

Pant was visibly in pain, collapsed to the ground, and after medical assessment, was carted off the field using a golf buggy—a rare sight in cricket unless injuries are severe. Former England captain Michael Atherton summed up the concern: You don’t get carted off the ground unless it’s really serious.

Medical Diagnosis: Compound Fracture Confirmed

Initial scans confirmed a compound fracture in his right toe—a painful condition where the bone breaks through the skin. Symptoms included:

• Immediate swelling
• Restricted movement
• Pain even during rest

Recovery Timeline

Doctors estimate a 6 to 8-week recovery period, which includes:

• 3 weeks immobilization
• 3–5 weeks of physiotherapy
• Gradual load-bearing rehab

Given the severity, Pant is unlikely to participate in the remaining Test at The Oval or any cricket in August 2025.

A Heroic Comeback: Batting Through the Pain

In a stunning turn, Pant returned to bat on Day 2—an act that stunned teammates and fans alike. Hopping on one foot and leaning heavily on his bat between runs, he scored a defiant 54 off 75 balls. How do you break a man who’s defeated death?” said Aakash Chopra, referencing Pant’s near-fatal car crash in 2022 and his sheer willpower to keep fighting.

His innings gave India a fighting total of 358 and boosted team morale, despite his inability to field or keep wickets.

Wicket-Keeping Duties Handed to Dhruv Jurel

With Pant ruled out of fielding, Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the substitute wicket-keeper. The BCCI has not yet confirmed a replacement, but Ishan Kishan is the likely backup for the final Test if required. Pant is our X-factor, our match-winner. Losing him at this point changes our balance,” said former cricketer Ravi Shastri.

Impact on India’s Series Hopes

India trails 1–2 in the five-match Test series against England. With Pant sidelined, the team faces:

• Loss of an aggressive middle-order batter
• Disruption in team combination
• Pressure on younger players like Jurel and Gill to step up

Pant’s unique ability to counterattack under pressure is unmatched in the squad. His injury may swing momentum England’s way unless India responds with tight bowling and batting partnerships.

Expert Commentary

• Ricky Ponting: “Foot injuries in cricket are tricky. You can bat with them sometimes, but recovery for elite fielding takes much longer.”
• Michael Vaughan: “Pant missing could shift the outcome of the series. India will miss his flair.”
• BCCI Medical Panel: “He will not keep wickets in the remainder of the match. Further participation will be evaluated post-scan and physio feedback.”

Injury Timeline Breakdown

What Happens Next?

1. Team reshuffle: Jurel or Kishan may play full-time
2. Fitness tracking: Pant’s daily physio will be monitored by NCA
3. Asia Cup & WTC final concerns: If recovery delays, his participation in early 2026 tournaments may be affected
4. Leadership vacuum: Pant is a strategic vice-captain candidate—his absence weakens on-field leadership depth