Sanju Samson wants Shubman Gill out? India star drops fresh bombshell on losing opening spot

Star India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has dropped a fresh statement on losing the opening spot to the T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill.

Sanju Samson said that he has played a lot of different roles throughout his career and is happy to do whatever the Gautam Gambhir-led team management wants from him.

In these conditions, we will be tested - Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson became the permanent opener of the Indian T20I team after the retirement of Rohit Sharma from the format, and he delivered some exceptional performances.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

However, on the return of Shubman Gill to the setup as the vice-captain, Samson was demoted to the middle-order, and since then, he has been batting in a new position for the Indian team, where he has played some decent knocks.

He is currently in Australia for the five-match T20I series against Australia. Speaking ahead of the first match to the broadcasters, Sanju Samson stated that they will be tested Down Under. He said:

"It definitely feels good to come out of the heat of Kerala and enjoy some cold weather here in Canberra. I am loving it. I am excited and looking forward to the game today.

"Yesterday, we just had a meeting and discussed the importance of the upcoming 3 T20I series before the World Cup. It is about focusing on one game at a time and putting ourselves under pressure against Australia. In these conditions, we will be tested. That is what is required to test ourselves physically and mentally. We are looking forward to it."

"To be honest, I have played a lot of different roles - Sanju Samson

While talking about his batting position, Sanju Samson said that he is now well prepared for the middle order role and doesn't think about losing the opening spot to Gill. He said:

"To be honest, I have played a lot of different roles for a lot of different teams. I have been part of this team for a long time now and have done different roles. I have opened the batting. I have finished matches. Now, I am batting in the middle order. Only the openers are fixed in this team. The rest of the batters have to be ready to bat at any time and in any situation. We are well prepared for that.

"(On things to watch out for) Definitely the skill sets. Also, the conditions. The weather as well. A lot of sweaters are already among the crowd and the players. (On what Samson is looking forward to in Australia) Both (wicketkeeping and batting)," he added.

Also Read: 'Rishabh Pant looks a bit more...': Sai Sudharsan's bombshell remark on wicketkeeper’s fitness

India vs Australia 1st T20I washed out

The first T20I between India and Australia was washed out in Canberra after 9.4 overs as the rain didn't allow the match to progress any further. This means a victory that India registered in 2020 against Australia remains their only T20I win over the Aussies in Canberra.

On December 4, 2020, the Men in Blue registered a T20I victory in Canberra against Australia. They won the match by 11 runs while defending the score of 161. The leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who came in as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja, bowled a sensational spell of 3/25 to bag the Player of the Match award.

After being put in to bat first, India didn’t have the ideal start as Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli fell early. KL Rahul, however, played a composed innings of 51 runs off 40 balls, while Sanju Samson chipped in with 23 runs.

At 114/6 in the 17th over, India looked set for an under-par total before Ravindra Jadeja’s fireworks (44* runs off just 23 balls) propelled India to a good score of 161/7.

While chasing the target, Australia began well with captain Aaron Finch and D’Arcy Short adding 56 runs. But once Finch fell to Chahal for 35, the innings began to lose direction. Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell departed cheaply, and the chase fell apart. Henriques’ quick 30 off 20 offered some hope, but T Natarajan (3/30) and Yuzvendra Chahal (3/25) bowled remarkably to restrict the Aussies to 150/7.