Srikkanth Questions BCCI’s Handling of Sanju Samson’s Batting Role

Kris Srikkanth has strongly criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team management for their handling of Sanju Samson's batting position, describing the Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman as the "most unlucky" player in Indian cricket at present. The former India captain argued that repeated changes in the batting order are undermining Samson's confidence and consistency. Samson, who has previously excelled as an opener with multiple centuries, has been relegated to various positions, including as low as No. 8, effectively reducing him to a utility player without a defined role. Srikkanth remarked, with a note of sarcasm, that further opportunities might see him batting at No. 11. He emphasised that even a composed individual like Samson must be affected internally, yet the player has no option but to remain professional and comply with instructions.

Samson's earlier success came predominantly at the top of the order, where he displayed aggressive strokeplay and scored substantial hundreds. However, with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma now established as openers, Samson has been shifted to the middle order. During the Asia Cup 2025, he batted at No. 5 on three occasions and at No. 3 once. The decision to send him in at No. 8 against Bangladesh drew widespread condemnation from fans and analysts, who viewed it as an unjust demotion for a batsman with a proven track record in high-pressure situations.

Despite these inconsistencies, Srikkanth identified positive indicators from Samson's performances at No. 5 in the Asia Cup, positioning him as India's preferred wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup 2026. "His contributions at No. 5 are encouraging," Srikkanth noted. Consistency in this position could enable Samson to stabilise and excel, leveraging his powerful hitting, reliable wicketkeeping, and composure under pressure—qualities suited to a finisher-keeper role in T20 cricket.

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Srikkanth further indicated that the playing XI from the first T20I against Australia closely resembles the final squad for the World Cup. The primary adjustment involves replacing Harshit Rana with Hardik Pandya, whose all-round abilities enhance team balance. Arshdeep Singh's inclusion may be compromised by a strategy favouring three spinners. With Shivam Dube deemed indispensable—owing to his wicket-taking medium-pace bowling as a sixth option and India's strong record in matches he features—the core team is largely settled. The focus now shifts to building cohesion through further matches.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the critical issue for the BCCI remains whether it will assign Sanju Samson a permanent batting position to maximise his potential or continue the disruptive shuffling that risks diminishing his contributions.

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