Sanju Samson, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, finds himself in a constantly shifting role at the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 despite his impressive record as an opener. Since India’s T20 World Cup triumph last June, Samson has opened in all 17 matches, scoring 487 runs at a strike rate of 171.47, including three centuries. Yet, he has not been used as a designated opener in this tournament.

Instead, the Kerala cricketer has been moved around the order. In four games so far, he has batted only twice — making 56 at No. 3 against Oman and then coming in at No. 5 versus Pakistan. In the Super Four clash against Bangladesh, Samson was pushed down to No. 8, a decision that drew criticism given the team management had previously suggested he was being groomed for the No. 5 slot.

When quizzed by Sanjay M

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