In a recent statement that has sparked excitement among Indian cricket fans, India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, declared, “Sanju Samson is good enough to bat at any number.” This bold endorsement came ahead of India’s high-stakes clash against Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup 2025, held at the ICC Academy. Kotak’s confidence in Samson’s adaptability underscores the wicketkeeper-batter’s growing stature in Indian cricket and highlights his potential to be a game-changer in any batting position. As India navigates the challenges of modern T20 cricket, Samson’s versatility could prove to be a strategic asset for the team. This article explores Samson’s journey, his ability to adapt across batting positions, and why Kotak’s statement signals a new era for the talented cricketer.
The Rise of Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson’s cricketing journey began in Kerala, a state not traditionally known for producing cricketing superstars. Born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Samson displayed prodigious talent from a young age. His flair for elegant strokeplay and natural aggression caught the attention of scouts early on, leading to his debut for Kerala in domestic cricket at the age of 15. Samson’s performances in the domestic circuit, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcased his ability to dominate attacks with a blend of finesse and power.
His breakthrough came in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he emerged as a standout performer for Rajasthan Royals. Since his IPL debut in 2013, Samson has been a consistent run-scorer, often playing match-defining knocks. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate while maintaining composure under pressure made him a fan favorite. Over the years, Samson has amassed over 4,000 runs in the IPL, including multiple centuries, cementing his reputation as one of India’s most exciting batting talents.
Despite his domestic and IPL success, Samson’s international career has been a rollercoaster. His debut for India in 2015 was followed by sporadic appearances, with selectors often overlooking him in favor of more established names. However, Samson’s persistence and consistent performances in the IPL and domestic cricket have gradually earned him a more permanent spot in the Indian setup, particularly in T20Is.
The Case for Versatility
Sitanshu Kotak’s assertion that Samson can bat at any position is not merely a coach’s vote of confidence but a reflection of the batter’s skill set. Samson’s technique, adaptability, and temperament make him a unique asset in India’s T20 lineup. While he has predominantly opened the batting in recent times, scoring three centuries in the last 12 months, his ability to shift gears in the middle order has been a talking point in cricketing circles.
Against the UAE in the T20 Asia Cup 2025, Samson was moved to the middle order, a decision that raised eyebrows given his success as an opener. However, Kotak and the team management, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, believe that Samson’s skill set is ideally suited for the No. 5 or No. 6 role. This flexibility is crucial in T20 cricket, where teams often need players who can adapt to different situations, whether it’s stabilizing the innings after early wickets or providing a late flourish.
Samson’s ability to bat anywhere stems from his technical proficiency and mental clarity. As an opener, he has shown the ability to take on bowlers during the powerplay, using his quick hands and impeccable timing to dispatch loose deliveries. His cover drives and lofted shots are a testament to his classical batting style, which allows him to dominate in the early overs. In the middle order, Samson’s composure under pressure and ability to rotate the strike make him a reliable option to rebuild or accelerate as needed.
Kotak’s confidence in Samson is also backed by the player’s own attitude. According to the batting coach, Samson has expressed no reservations about batting lower down the order, showcasing his team-first mentality. This willingness to adapt for the team’s needs is a hallmark of a mature cricketer, and it bodes well for India’s aspirations in the T20 Asia Cup and beyond.
The Strategic Advantage
India’s decision to utilize Samson in the middle order against Pakistan reflects a broader strategy to maximize the team’s batting depth. With a top order comprising explosive players like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav, India has the luxury of deploying Samson in a role where he can anchor or accelerate depending on the situation. This flexibility allows India to maintain a balanced lineup, with firepower at the top and stability in the middle.
The middle order in T20 cricket is often a challenging position, requiring players to handle spin, pace, and pressure simultaneously. Samson’s domestic record, where he has batted in various positions for Kerala and Rajasthan Royals, demonstrates his ability to thrive in these scenarios. His knack for reading the game and adapting his approach—whether it’s playing risk-free cricket or launching an all-out assault—makes him an ideal candidate for the No. 5 or No. 6 slot.
Moreover, Samson’s wicketkeeping skills add another dimension to his value. As a keeper-batter, he provides India with a dual skill set, allowing the team to maintain balance without sacrificing batting depth. His agility behind the stumps and ability to effect quick run-outs or stumpings make him a complete package, further justifying Kotak’s faith in his all-around abilities.
Challenges and Expectations
While Samson’s versatility is a significant asset, it also comes with challenges. Batting in the middle order requires a different mindset compared to opening, where players have the freedom to play their shots early on. In the middle overs, Samson will need to contend with spinners and slower bowlers, who often dominate T20 cricket in this phase. His relative inexperience in the middle order at the international level could be a hurdle, but Kotak’s endorsement suggests that the team management is confident in his ability to adapt.
Another challenge for Samson is the competition for spots in India’s star-studded lineup. With players like Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma vying for similar roles, Samson will need to consistently deliver to cement his place. However, his recent form, including three centuries in the last year, indicates that he is ready to seize this opportunity.
The expectations from Samson are high, particularly in high-pressure matches like the one against Pakistan. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can translate his domestic and IPL form into consistent international performances. If he can succeed in the middle order, it could open the door for a more permanent role in the Indian team across formats.
The Bigger Picture
Kotak’s statement about Samson’s versatility is not just about one player; it reflects India’s evolving approach to T20 cricket. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir, India is building a team that prioritizes flexibility and adaptability. The modern T20 game demands players who can switch roles seamlessly, and Samson’s ability to bat anywhere in the order aligns perfectly with this philosophy.
As India aims to dominate global T20 cricket, players like Samson will be crucial. His ability to adapt to different roles, combined with his leadership experience as captain of Rajasthan Royals, makes him a potential cornerstone of India’s T20 setup. Whether he’s opening the batting or finishing an innings, Samson’s flair and composure make him a player to watch.
Looking Forward
Sanju Samson’s journey from a talented youngster in Kerala to a key member of the Indian T20 team is a testament to his hard work and resilience. Sitanshu Kotak’s assertion that Samson is “good enough to bat at any number” is a ringing endorsement of his skills and adaptability. As India prepares to take on Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup 2025, all eyes will be on Samson to deliver in the middle order. If he can seize this opportunity, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his international career, one where he establishes himself as one of India’s most reliable and versatile batters. With his talent, temperament, and team-first attitude, Sanju Samson is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
