Former India opener and ex-chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth has launched a scathing critique of the Indian team management over their inconsistent handling of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s batting position in T20 internationals. His fiery remarks—“They may send him at No. 11 next!”—have reignited the debate around Samson’s role in the national setup, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
Srikkanth’s comments came in the wake of Samson being shuffled across the batting order during the recent India vs Australia T20I series. Despite a strong record as an opener, Samson was demoted to the lower middle order, a move that Srikkanth believes undermines the player’s confidence and potential.
🧠 Timeline of Sanju Samson’s Batting Position Shifts
| Series/Tournament | Usual Batting Position | Recent Position Used | Outcome/Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20I vs Ireland (2023) | Opener (1/2) | Opener | 77 off 42 balls |
| Asia Cup (2024) | Opener | No. 5/6 | Low scores, limited balls faced |
| T20I vs Australia (2025) | Opener | No. 6/7 | 12* (9), DNB, 5 (6) |
The inconsistency in his role has led to growing frustration among fans and former players alike.
🗣️ What Kris Srikkanth Said
Speaking to media outlets, Srikkanth didn’t hold back:
“The guy who’s most unlucky is Sanju Samson. He was scoring centuries as an opener. But now they send him everywhere—from No. 3 to No. 8. If given an opportunity, they may send him at No. 11 also!”
He further added that Samson, despite his evident talent and recent form, is being treated unfairly and deserves a fixed role in the playing XI.
📊 Sanju Samson’s T20I Career Snapshot
| Matches Played | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 26 | 652 | 27.16 | 139.8 | 4 | 1 | 112 |
His numbers as an opener are significantly better, with an average of 34.5 and a strike rate of 145+.
🧠 The Role of Shubman Gill and Team Dynamics
The inclusion of Shubman Gill as vice-captain and preferred opener has pushed Samson down the order. While Gill has been consistent, critics argue that Samson’s demotion lacks justification, especially when his record as an opener is superior.
| Player | T20I Opening Average | Strike Rate | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 34.5 | 145.2 | 3 50+ scores in last 7 innings |
| Shubman Gill | 28.3 | 132.7 | 2 50+ scores in last 10 innings |
The data suggests that Samson’s exclusion from the top order may not be performance-based.
🧭 Expert Opinions and Fan Reactions
| Stakeholder | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Aakash Chopra | “Samson needs clarity in role to perform.” |
| Irfan Pathan | “He’s a match-winner, not a floater.” |
| Fans on Social Media | Trending hashtags: #JusticeForSanju, #BackSamson |
| BCCI Officials | No official comment on batting order decisions |
The chorus for a consistent role for Samson is growing louder with each match.
🏏 What’s Next for Sanju Samson?
With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, India’s team management faces a crucial decision: either back Samson in a defined role or risk losing a dynamic player to inconsistency and frustration. Srikkanth’s comments have brought the issue into the spotlight, and selectors will be under pressure to justify their choices.
📌 Conclusion
Sanju Samson’s fluctuating batting position has become a flashpoint in Indian cricket, with former players like Kris Srikkanth openly criticizing the team’s approach. As India prepares for major tournaments, clarity and consistency in player roles will be key to success. Whether Samson gets the backing he deserves remains to be seen, but the message from fans and experts is clear: talent must be nurtured, not shuffled.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available statements and match data. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute official commentary or endorsement.
