Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Sanju Samson’s batting position in T20 Internationals, pointing out that his current international numbers do not provide a clear indication of his ideal position in the shortest format of the game.
During India’s first T20I against West Indies in Tarouba, Trinidad, Samson managed only a run-a-ball 12 before being run out. The narrow four-run loss prompted discussions about whether No. 6 is the right position for him or if there could be a better alternative, like moving Hardik Pandya down the order.
Chopra expressed reluctance to send Hardik Pandya at No. 6, stating that he firmly believes Pandya should come in at No. 5. As for Samson, Chopra raised concerns about his performance across different batting positions in T20 cricket. “His numbers aren’t looking good at any position in T20s; he has very few opportunities and doesn’t get them on a consistent basis,” Chopra observed.
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“Averages of 26, 16, 14, 12, and 19 in various batting positions are clearly insufficient. It does not provide us with a good enough notion of where he should bat or what his suited number is. We can’t make the case that he should play at No. 4 based on those numbers,” he continued.
It is evident that Samson’s current T20I numbers do not justify promoting him to No. 4 or any other higher position in the order. His performances have been inconsistent, and he hasn’t had enough opportunities to solidify his place in the team.