India’s team management has left fans scratching their heads after their treatment of Sanju Samson in the Asia Cup 2025. Ahead of the clash against Bangladesh, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had clearly stated that Samson would be backed at number five—not just for this tournament, but as a long-term plan. Yet when the game came around, the wicketkeeper-batter wasn’t even slotted in the top seven.
On September 23, speaking in Dubai, Ryan had said: “He’s had two decent chances, and he’s still figuring out how to play that role. With Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma firing at the top, our captain at three, and Tilak Varma playing well, we’re looking for a strong number five. We believe Sanju is the best man for the job, and we have no doubt he’ll adapt to that role.”
But what unfolded against Bangladesh painted a very different picture. Samson, who has already looked scratchy this tournament, was overlooked when the opportunity arose. Against Oman, he had struck a fifty off 40 balls at number three, but versus Pakistan, his 13 off 17 during a straightforward chase raised questions about his rhythm.
WATCH – Abhishek Sharma’s Brilliant Knock Ends In Run Out After Mix-Up With Suryakumar Yadav
The Bangladesh game could have been the chance to restore confidence. At 112/3 in 11.1 overs, the perfect platform existed for him to settle in and then accelerate. Instead, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, and even Shivam Dube were promoted ahead of him.
What happened with Sanju Samson today was completely unfair. He was not given the position he truly deserves, and it’s disappointing to see his talent being overlooked. Sanju has consistently shown his ability and skill, yet decisions like this hide his true potential. One or two… pic.twitter.com/DVjmfM2kYz
— MD Raju 🇮🇳 (@MDRaju_Live) September 24, 2025
🚨 Sanju Samson is the only Indian batter to have batted at every position from 1 to 8. 🇮🇳
Never given a fixed spot, constantly shuffled around even after becoming the first Indian to score 3 T20I hundreds in a calendar year.
The most unfairly ridiculed player of his generation pic.twitter.com/RfOvhClcnT
— Anurag™ (@Samsoncentral) September 24, 2025
It’s stupidity to not use the potential of Sanju Samson . If you are including him in the team , make sure to give him a batting position . Don’t just make him a wicket keeper #INDvsBAN
— Mrigendra Pratap Singh (@MrigendraSpeaks) September 24, 2025
What is wrong with Team India Management?#gautamgambhir #SuryakumarYadav being the decision makers they are holding Sanju Samson and sending everyone ahead of him.
Are you guys nuts!Jab khelana hi nahi hai toh isse achcha ek extra bowler hi rakh lo.#INDvsBAN
— Deshbhakt Sahu (@notoriginalsahu) September 24, 2025
To be honest sanju samson would do the same as Tilak verma, surya kumar yadav and shivam dube did . Only people taking the game seriously are Abhishek Sharma and shubhaman gill . #AsiaCup2025 #INDvsBAN #AsiaCupT20
— Mrigendra Pratap Singh (@MrigendraSpeaks) September 24, 2025
India doesn’t deserve a player like Sanju Samson.
— Sensational Samson (@SensationSamson) September 24, 2025
The puzzling part is that management had emphasized their trust in Samson over Jitesh Sharma, a proven finisher. Yet, neither Gautam Gambhir nor Suryakumar Yadav—the on-field decision-makers—backed him in the middle order. If the intent was to play Samson as a specialist middle-order wicketkeeper, why deny him the opportunity? And if the strategy is to have a pure finisher, wouldn’t Jitesh be the better choice?
ALSO READ: Ishant Sharma Reflects On Indian Players, Expresses Sympathy For Pakistan’s Struggles
Samson’s exclusion from meaningful batting time raises larger questions about India’s clarity in team selection. A player who has been consistently shifted around the order now faces the irony of being picked but not trusted. Unless India defines a clear role for Samson, the ongoing chopping and changing could do more harm than good—for both the player and the team.
