Sanju Samson Set to Open for India in Bangladesh T20Is

Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, announced that Sanju Samson will open the batting lineup for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh. This series will see Samson partnered with Abhishek Sharma as the designated openers. This decision comes as a significant shift, as Samson has not been a regular in the Indian lineup since his debut against Zimbabwe in 2015.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed confidence in Samson’s abilities, especially given his history of aggressive plays during the powerplay with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. “Sanju Samson will play and open the batting in this series going forward with Abhishek Sharma,” stated Yadav, emphasizing the strategic experimentation leading up to future international tournaments such as the T20 World Cup.

The Gwalior-hosted series, beginning soon, represents a vital opportunity for Samson to cement his place as a regular member of the Indian T20I squad. Despite previous inconsistency at the top of the order, his 77-run performance against Ireland in 2022 stands as a testament to his potential.

Samson’s inclusion as an opener comes partly due to the absence of multiple designated openers in the squad, with Abhishek Sharma being the only other option. His experience at the top includes a limited number of attempts for India, but his aggressive approach in the IPL is expected to translate positively in these international matches.

This series marks a period of adjustment for India, especially with Rishabh Pant resting after a busy cricket season. Samson’s appointment as the first-choice wicketkeeper for this series reflects a growing trust from the selectors and management in his capabilities.

Reflecting on the venue for the series, Yadav remarked on Gwalior’s new stadium as ideal for T20 gameplay, citing insights gained from practice sessions. “The pitch appears to be a good T20 wicket, so we are expecting a competitive game,” Yadav noted.