India playing XI debate: Coach admits 'Sanju Samson has not batted a lot at No. 5 or 6, but...'

Sanju Samson and Gautam Gambhir (BCCI Photo)

There has been plenty of chatter around Sanju Samson and his batting position ever since the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the T20I setup, where he has also been elevated as the team's vice-captain. Many anticipated Gill to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma at the ongoing Asia Cup, which was the case.

One thing where most were proved wrong was the prediction over wicketkeeper-batter Samson, who usually opens the innings for any side he plays for. In fact in the absence of Gill, who was engaged with other formats, it was Samson, who shouldered the opening responsibility alongside Abhishek, and left a remarkable impression.

Many had anticipated Samson to remain on the bench and team's second wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma to automatically slot in the playing XI, considering that is his natural batting position.

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However, Samson was preferred over Jitesh in the playing XI but he had to vacate his opening slot to accommodate Gill. In fact, Samson was pushed to number 5 and when asked to India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, he expressed confidence in the Kerala dasher's ability to do well even though it is an unchartered territory for him.

"See, Sanju has not batted a lot at No. 5 or 6. But that doesn't mean that he can't do it. So, I think Sanju is a good enough player to bat at any number. So, according to the requirement of the team, captain and head coach will decide. And he is more than happy to bat at any number," Kotak told reporters as quoted by PTI.

Kotak said that flexibility is key to India's batting line-up. "If you look at our batting line-up, everyone is capable of going in at any number and finish the match. Although we have four-five such aggressive players, the head coach or captain can decide according to the situation.

"More or less, everyone is prepared to bat at any number. Sanju, in the last match, he would have batted at number 5. In the next match, he can bat at any number. So, it is not fixed. Everyone knows their role. So, they will be ready according to the situation."

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In the last game against UAE on Wednesday, India comfortably completed a chase of 58 for the loss of just one wicket. Kotak hinted that apart from the openers, going forward No. 3 will also be a fixed slot, with players for slot 4 to 7 rotated as per the team's needs.

"Obviously, the openers and No. 3, we think about particular players. But after that, if required, I think all the players mentally and skill-wise, are prepared to bat at any number. And I think that's a good sign."

Kotak believes that the Indian team has more than one finisher. "I think everyone knows their role. And maybe we have more than one finisher. So, depending on the situation, we can go accordingly. Because if you look at Shivam, if you look at Hardik, if you look at Axar, they all can do whatever is required depending on who is bowling, which bowler of the opposing team has the remaining overs, how is the wicket. So, it is a great thing to have, where you have 3 or 4 guys who can go at any number."

As far as Dube is concerned, Kotak admitted that he is a very good hitting option. "Shivam is a good hitting option and he also bowls well. And in the previous T20 series, Shivam has done well. So, he has been doing well."

-with PTI inputs