Jitesh Sharma insulted as India coach calls ‘struggling’ Sanju Samson the “best man”

India National Cricket Team coach Ryan ten Doeschate has defended the star wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson amid criticism over his not-so-good knocks in the Asia Cup 2025.

Ryan ten Doeschate said that Sanju Samson is in the process of figuring things out after a change in his batting role in the Indian T20I team.

I think he is the best man for that role - Ryan ten Doeschate on Sanju Samson

The Kerala superstar Sanju Samson was the first-choice opener and wicketkeeper-batsman of Team India for most of the T20I matches since last year.

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He did a fantastic job as an opener for India and slammed some sensational centuries, which helped him receive great backing from Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav.

However, Samson was demoted in the batting order on the return of Shubman Gill to the T20Is, with the new vice-captain opening the innings with explosive Abhishek Sharma.

Initially, it was expected that Sanju Samson would be completely out of the playing XI, with Jitesh Sharma taking the keeping gloves and batting in the middle order.

However, the Indian team management backed Sanju Samson, and now Ryan ten Doeschate has said that the Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman is the best choice for the No.5 role.

"Yeah, I think he has had two decent chances. And I think he is still figuring out how to play that role. I think the wicket also got a little bit tired in the Pakistan game,” Ten Doeschate said.

"But certainly with the way Shubman and Abi are going at the top, and with your captain batting at No. 3, and the way Tilak has played, we are looking for a No. 5. We believe Sanju is the best man for the job. I have no doubt he will figure out how to play that role in the future,” Ten Doeschate added.

Someone like a Rinku or a Jitesh is unlikely to get game time - Ryan ten Doeschate

Ryan ten Doeschate further said that the likes of Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma are unlikely to get any game time in the Asia Cup 2025.

“We tried in Abu Dhabi to get these guys some time in the middle. But we are managing things with an eye on doing well in key tournaments like the Asia Cup. Someone like a Rinku or a Jitesh is unlikely to get game time given the current situation. But they are doing well in training

“We probably have to look at bilateral series as a realistic opportunity to give them exposure. With the Super Four format, even two wins don’t guarantee progression to the next stage. We can’t afford to take our foot off the pedal,” he said.

Fearless is the right word - Ryan ten Doeschate

The Indian assistant coach further showered rich praise on the explosive opening batsman Abhishek Sharma, who has been the MVP for India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Ryan said that Abhishek Sharma is quite fearless and he possesses incredible skills, but at the same time, he remains relaxed. He said:

"Fearless is the right word, but it is backed up by incredible skill. The kind of game he plays, you can't succeed all the time. He is a relaxed guy."

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