Sanju Samson Opens Up on Batting Order Shift: “The Openers are Fixed”

New Delhi, December 20, 2025: In a year that has seen him reach unprecedented heights, Sanju Samson has finally broken his silence regarding his fluctuating role in the Indian T20I setup. Despite a record-breaking 2024—where he became the first Indian to smash three T20I centuries in a single calendar year—Samson has recently found himself displaced from the opening slot to make room for vice-captain Shubman Gill.

Speaking with broadcasters during the ongoing series against South Africa, Samson addressed the tactical shift under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav.

The “Flexibility” Directive

Samson’s comments highlight a clear new philosophy within the Indian dressing room. While he thrived as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma, the return of Shubman Gill has forced a reshuffle.

“To be honest, I have played a lot of different roles for a lot of different teams,” Samson told reporters. “Only the openers are fixed in this team. The rest of the batters have to be ready to bat at any time and in any situation.”

This “flexibility” is a hallmark of the Gambhir-Suryakumar era. Captain Surya later echoed this, stating that while Samson did “extremely well” at the top, Gill remains the “first choice” for the opening slot due to his seniority and previous performances in the position.

Stats Speak: The Samson vs. Gill Debate

The decision to move Samson has sparked intense debate among fans and former cricketers like Ravi Shastri, especially given the contrasting form of the two players in 2025.

While Gill has struggled to find his rhythm, Samson has often been used as a “floater,” batting anywhere from No. 3 to No. 6. Critics argue that shifting a “rhythm player” like Samson—who needs the powerplay to set his tempo—is counterproductive.

A Golden Opportunity in Ahmedabad

The debate reached a fever pitch during the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad on December 19, 2025. With Gill ruled out due to a foot injury, Samson was finally restored to his preferred opening slot. He didn’t disappoint, playing a blistering cameo of 37 off 22 balls.

His performance prompted Ravi Shastri to ask on-air, “Why is he not in the side in the first place? He is a natural at the top of the order.”

The Path Ahead

Despite the “reinvent message” from the management, Samson remains grateful for the communication. He previously credited Gambhir and Surya for their support during his low phases, mentioning that Gambhir once told him he wouldn’t be dropped even if he “registered 21 ducks,” provided he kept his intent.

With the T20 World Cup approaching in February 2026, the Indian think-tank faces a “good headache.” They must decide whether to stick with the “fixed openers” policy or return to the high-octane “Sanjushek” (Samson-Abhishek) partnership that dominated late 2024.