“Can Bat At Any Number”: Why India Back Sanju Samson’s Flexible Role

Sanju Samson may not have many international innings at No. 5 or 6, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do the job there—India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak made that clear on the eve of the Pakistan fixture. With Shubman Gill returning to open and Suryakumar Yadav–Tilak Varma anchoring Nos. 3–4, Samson’s brief shifts toward a float role: enter where the game needs a spin‑hitter, a stabiliser, or a late‑overs accelerator. The message from the room is simple and firm: roles first, positions later.

The thinking behind Samson in the middle

Kotak’s view is rooted in flexibility. Beyond fixed openers and a largely set No. 3, India want a clutch of players ready to slot anywhere from 4 to 7 based on match-ups, entry point, and conditions. Samson’s strengths—fast starts, power down the ground, and the ability to change gears—are seen as transferable skills, not ones tethered to the first six overs. He’s embraced that ask, with staff highlighting his willingness to bat “at any number” to suit the plan on the day.

Where he fits amid Gill, SKY, and Tilak

• Shubman Gill’s reinstatement at the top pushes one top-order slot down the queue.

• Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have shared Nos. 3 and 4 with success, offering high intent against pace and control versus spin.

• That leaves the floating brief—No. 5/6—where Samson’s entry can change depending on whether India need a spin disruptor in overs 7–12 or a pace finisher after 14.

This phase-fluid approach is why the staff favour a batting all-round of options rather than a rigid batting card.

The flexibility play across 4–7

India’s template stacks multiple finishers. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel can all close, which gives license to use Samson earlier if a wicket falls in the middle phase, or later if the chase needs a gear lift. The benefit is selection elasticity: India can go spin‑heavy with the ball without undercutting batting depth, knowing they have several hitters who can occupy different slots and roles.

Addressing the obvious question: sample size

It’s true Samson’s most prolific performances have often come up top. The counter from the staff is twofold: international roles evolve with the squad’s balance, and the IPL era has produced batters whose methods now travel better across overs. The task isn’t to bat like an opener at No. 5; it’s to win the small battles the game presents—targeting match-ups, stacking twos on big squares, and taking the one over that flips a chase.

What to watch going forward

Expect the openers and No. 3 to remain the most “fixed” positions, while Nos. 4–7 rotate to exploit bowlers’ remaining overs and conditions on the night. If India need early spin disruption, Samson’s entry can be pulled forward. If the finish needs extra thump, he can slide back to set up Hardik and Dube. It’s less about where he bats on the teamsheet and more about when he walks in for the maximum net impact.