Suryakumar Yadav clears air on Samson-Gill selection talk

With Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya returning to India’s T20I squad, the balance of the playing XI is poised for a significant shift. The major question now is whether Sanju Samson will find a regular spot in the line-up. Samson had a successful run as an opener last year alongside Abhishek Sharma, but once Gill was elevated to vice-captain, he was moved to the lower-middle order during the Asia Cup.

Despite Samson’s impressive recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he registered scores of 51, 43, 46 and 73, captain Suryakumar Yadav has made it clear that the opening role will continue to belong to Gill, with Samson expected to play in the middle order.

“Sanju initially batted at the top when he came into the scene, but apart from openers, everyone needs to remain flexible,” Surya said ahead of the series opener. “He did well as an opener, but Shubman had already played that role in the Sri Lanka series and deserves that spot.”

Samson, however, faces competition beyond Gill. Jitesh Sharma has emerged as a direct contender for the wicketkeeper-batter role. In India’s previous T20I against Australia, Jitesh replaced Samson, scoring a quickfire 22 off 13 balls and helping India level the series 1-1. That performance has certainly strengthened his position, adding more uncertainty around Samson’s role.

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“We have given Sanju chances. He was willing to bat anywhere between No. 3 to 6, which is a great trait,” Surya added. “I’ve told the batters that everyone except openers must adapt. Both Samson and Jitesh are very much in the picture. They are versatile players—one can open, the other can play lower, or both can do either. It’s a good problem to have for the team.”

In positive news for India, both Gill and Hardik are fully fit and available. Hardik, who missed the Asia Cup final due to a quadriceps injury, returned to competitive cricket for Baroda in SMAT. Gill, recovering from a neck injury sustained during the first Test against South Africa, is also set for a comeback, with fans eagerly waiting to see him in action at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on Tuesday.