After clinching the ODI series against South Africa, India turns their attention to the T20Is as both teams gear up for some vital match practice ahead of the T20 World Cup. The upcoming series thereby provides both sides with a great opportunity to try out combinations and settle squads ahead of the mega event. India will look to fine-tune their lineup and test various batting orders in the process.

The opening position has been a major talking point for India, with Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson fighting for that slot. Samson was India’s first-choice opener before the Asia Cup 2025, but Gill’s appointment as vice-captain pushed Samson down the order, with the team preferring Gill and Abhishek at the top. Ahead of the first T20I in Cuttack, captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed India’s decision and offered clarity on the roles.

In the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar explained that while Samson has opened successfully in the past, flexibility is essential in T20 cricket. He said the team will continue with Gill at the top while praising Samson’s readiness to bat at any position. Surya emphasized the importance of adaptability, saying that except for the openers, all other batters must be willing to move around the order.

Suryakumar Yadav Praises Samson’s Flexibility in the Middle Order

Suryakumar Yadav said, “In terms of Sanju, yes, when he came into the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, I feel everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well before he played, when he opened the innings. But Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series. So, he deserved to take that spot. We gave Sanju opportunities. He was ready to bat at any number, which actually is good to see, any player being very flexible, batting from 3 to 6 anywhere. So, that is one thing that I have told all the batters.”

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He further added, “Other than openers, everyone has to be very flexible. So, both (Sanju and Jitesh) are in the scheme of things. It is always good to have flexible players like both of them being part of that squad. One can open, and one can bat lower down the order. Both can do all the loads. So, it is an asset to our team and also a good headache to have.” Despite Samson’s strong record as an opener, including 522 runs at a strike rate of 178 with three centuries, Gill’s return has pushed him down the order, and eventually, Jitesh Sharma replaced him as the wicketkeeper in the XI.