Sanju Samson to don a new hat in Bangladesh T20Is after India squad announcemenr
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Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is likely to feature in a new batting position for the upcoming T20I series between India and Bangladesh. Samson is one of the two wicketkeepers in the squad along with Jitesh Sharma.
Samson has been India's second-choice wicketkeeper behind Rishabh Pant for T20Is. He was also in India's title-winning squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 but did not get a game as the team management preferred Rishabh Pant as the team's first-choice wicketkeeper.
However, since Pant has been rested ahead of a grueling Test season, Sanju Samson now has a chance to stake a claim in India's Playing XI. He is likely to play all the matches in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.
Sanju Samson likely to open in the T20I series
There are high chances for Sanju Samson to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma for the Bangladesh T20Is. The reasoning behind this is that the selectors have picked just one specialist opener in the squad in the form of Abhishek Sharma.
Sanju Samson usually bats at the top order for his IPL team Rajasthan Royals and has opened for his team previously as well. He is technically sound and can make full use of the powerplay restrictions.
The wicketkeeper-batter is a proven opener in the past and this will be a great opportunity for him to show his batting credentials. Due to India's top-class batting talent, Samson has moved up and down in the batting order previously.
However, he will be aiming to cement his spot this time. The 29-year-old is expected to be comfortable in the opening position where he will be able to express himself with freedom. He is also expected to be India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the series.
Abhishek Sharma the only specialist opener in the squad
Meanwhile, the other opener Abhishek Sharma is a proven performer in the IPL. Abhishek had a fantastic IPL 2024 season where he smacked 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26 and a blistering strike rate of 204.21.
The left-hander played magnificent cameos at the top and was known for his ability to score quick runs right from the first ball. Abhishek made his international debut against Zimbabwe just after the T20 World Cup 2024. He got out for a duck in his debut game but went on to smash a 46-ball 100 in just his second T20I.
With Abhishek and Samson to open, skipper Suryakumar Yadav is likely to bat at No. 3 with Riyan Parag and Hardik Pandya to follow. The biggest surprises from the squad were the selections of Mayank Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
While Mayank Yadav has played only limited games, Varun Chakaravarthy has been bowling consistently well for Kolkata Knight Riders in the last few IPL seasons. The mystery spinner was the second-highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2024 with 21 wickets in 15 matches.
India squad for T20I series against Bangladesh
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav
