Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is likely to feature in a new batting position for the upcoming T20I series between India and Bangladesh. Samson is one of the two goalkeepers in the team along with Jitesh Sharma.
Samson has been India’s second-choice wicketkeeper behind Rishabh Pant for T20Is. He was also in India’s title-winning team for the 2024 T20 World Cup, but did not get a game as the team management preferred Rishabh Pant as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper.
However, with Pant rested ahead of a grueling Test season, Sanju Samson now has a chance to claim a place in India’s Playing XI. He is likely to play all the matches in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar should not be considered uncapped! BCCI statement reveals shocking truth
Sanju Samson likely to open T20I series
There is a good chance that Sanju Samson will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma for the Bangladesh T20Is. The reasoning behind this is that the selectors have picked only one specialist opener in the team – Abhishek Sharma.
Sanju Samson usually bats in the top order for his IPL team, Rajasthan Royals, and has also opened for his team previously. He is technically sound and can make the most of power play restrictions.
The wicketkeeper-batsman is a proven opener in the past and this will be a great opportunity for him to showcase his batting credentials. Due to India’s top-notch batting talent, Samson has been up and down the batting order before.
However, this time he will try to consolidate his place. The 29-year-old is expected to feel comfortable in the starting position, where he will be able to express himself freely. He is also expected to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the series.
Abhishek Sharma, the team’s only specialist opener
Meanwhile, the other opener Abhishek Sharma is a proven performer in the IPL. Abhishek had a fantastic IPL 2024 season in which he scored 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26 and a blistering strike rate of 204.21.
The left-hander made magnificent appearances at the top and was known for his ability to score quick runs from the first ball. Abhishek made his international debut against Zimbabwe just after the 2024 T20 World Cup. He went for a duck in his debut game but then scored a 46-ball 100 in just his second T20I.
With Abhishek and Samson opening, captain Suryakumar Yadav is likely to bat at number 3, followed by Riyan Parag and Hardik Pandya. The team’s biggest surprises were the selections of Mayank Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
While Mayank Yadav has only played limited games, Varun Chakaravarthy has played consistently well for Kolkata Knight Riders in the last few IPL seasons. The mystery spinner was the second highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 21 wickets in 15 matches.
India squad for T20I series against Bangladesh
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav