Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Sanju Samson needs time to adapt to the middle-order role in the Asia Cup. Samson was doing a fine job as an opener but he was demoted to the middle order after Shubman Gill was given the opening slot following his appointment as vice-captain.
Meanwhile, Samson struggled to get going against Pakistan in the Super Fours clash on Sunday, trudging to 13 runs off 17 balls. Barring hitting one crisp cover-drive, Samson failed to find his timing against the arch-rivals.
Earlier in the group stage, Samson scored 56 runs off just 45 balls against Oman and was awarded Player of the Match.
Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Pressure is on everyone. Everyone who plays for India will feel the pressure. Pressure was also on the vice-captain about whether Shubman Gill is the right candidate to open. Sanju Samson was doing well at the top. The partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson was sensational. But now Gill has put a full stop on that discussion. As far as Samson goes, It’s a different role. But if you tell a sprinter to run a marathon, he needs time. He has been demoted in the batting order.”
Chopra recalled that former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had a discussion with rookie Virender Sehwag regarding his batting order after latter’s debut against South Africa. The renowned commentator is hopeful that a similar conversation might have happened between Samson and India’s think tank.
Chopra added, “Once Virender Sehwag was brought down the batting order and then was made to open. He asked Sourav Ganguly, ‘Will you drop me from the side? If you are, I’m not opening the innings’. He said, ‘You are in the middle order, you made a 100 on debut in Bloemfontein. We are not dropping you, but let’s try you at the top.’ I’m assuming this chat would’ve taken place with Samson. When chances are less, given the tournament and India’s batting and enough opportunities are necessary before judgement is passed whether he is good in that position or not.”
On the other hand, former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron concurred with Chopra and said a batter needs time to adjust to the new role.
“Look, if you put any batter in a different position where he is not used to batting, he will face some problem. Like Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill showed in England about showing belief in one player, they are likely to do the same until the end of the tournament. Sanju Samson is a very talented batter. When he comes into form – that could happen in the next game – he will take the match away from the opposition.”
India will next take on Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.
