Samson's T20XI Seat: Gill's Rise Fuels Debate

Sanju Samson dropped again from India's T20XI. Experts debate his role as Shubman Gill ascends to elite status. Is Samson batting out of position?

Sanju Samson was notably absent from India's playing XI in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack, a recurring scenario that has sparked considerable debate. This exclusion marks the fourth time in six T20 internationals that Samson has been overlooked, with Jitesh Sharma occupying the wicketkeeper-batter role.

The selection quandary intensified following the BCCI's 'Shubman Gill plan' during the Asia Cup, which saw Samson shifted from his successful opening position to the middle order, only to be dropped for a specialist finisher. This sequence of events has reopened discussions about Samson's role and future in the T20 format.

Former South African player Shaun Pollock commented that Samson has received a "raw deal," suggesting Shubman Gill's emergence has placed him in an elite category alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Pollock emphasized that stalwarts like Gill typically reclaim their established positions upon returning to the side, rather than being shifted down. He further highlighted Gill's strong Test performances in England as solidifying his top-order status, making him indispensable. The dynamic between Gill and Abhishek Sharma, noted for their good understanding, also bolsters Gill's position at the top of the order.

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