Dubai, (UNI) India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has backed Sanju Samson despite the batsman’s struggle in India’s last outing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four at Dubai International Stadium.
Samson, promoted as an opener following Rohit Sharma’s T20I retirement, is featuring in the middle order in the continental tournament after Shubman Gill’s return to the T20 format.
Samson, who has smashed three T20I centuries as an opener, was pushed to No. 3 against Oman and made a scratchy half-century. In the clash against Pakistan, he batted at No. 5, scoring 13 off 17 balls before being bowled by Haris Rauf.
Ahead of India’s Super Four clash against Bangladesh on September 24, Ten Doeschate said the management continues to believe Samson is the right choice for the middle order.
“He has had two decent chances and is still figuring out how to play that role. The wicket also got a little tired in the Pakistan game,” he said.
Ten Doeschate added, “With the way Shubman and Abhishek are going at the top, the captain at No. 3, and the way Tilak Varma has played, we are looking for a No. 5. We believe Sanju is the best man for the job. I have no doubt he will figure out how to play that role in the future.”
Samson has averaged nearly 40 as an opener in the last two years, but in over 15 innings in the middle order, he has managed only one fifty-plus score. In the IPL, he has largely featured in the top four for Rajasthan Royals, making this new role a challenge.
Meanwhile, Ten Doeschate also lauded opener Abhishek Sharma for his fearless approach in T20 batting. Sharma’s 39-ball 74 and a 105-run partnership with vice-captain Shubman Gill helped India secure a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Super Four opener. He is currently the top run-getter in the tournament with 173 runs in four matches at an average of 43.25 and a strike rate of 208.43.
“I think fearless is the right word there, but that’s backed up with an incredible amount of skill. You can be fearless but not have the tools to do it, and he has both,” Ten Doeschate said.
He added that Sharma remains focused on his process and practices at 100 percent intensity, and his relaxed demeanor suits India’s approach.
This year, Sharma has been in red-hot form in T20Is, scoring 452 runs in nine innings at an average of 50.22, with a strike rate of 215.23, including a century and two 50s.
Doeschate backs Samson, lauds Sharma’s fearless T20 form
