“Need to be villain, need to be Joker”: Sanju Samson on his Asia Cup 2025 batting role
“Need to be villain, need to be Joker”: Sanju Samson on his batting slot at Asia Cup 2025
Sanju Samson has embraced a moving role at the Asia Cup 2025, sliding from opener to No. 3 and then into a floating middle‑order brief once Shubman Gill was brought back to partner Abhishek Sharma. Instead of pushing back, the wicketkeeper‑batter leaned into the change with a light‑hearted but pointed analogy: like an actor, he’s ready for any part the team needs.
“I can’t only do hero roles”
Speaking with easy humour and intent, Samson likened his task to Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal’s range, saying the job is to show range on demand—not insist on the spotlight.
“I can’t say that I only can do a hero role. I need to be a villain, I need to be a Joker,” Samson said, framing his willingness to adapt to India’s situational needs.
He added that communication from leadership has been straight and supportive.
“I have received some really honest feedback from my captain and coach… They told me it’s a bit of a different role for you, but you do have the game to go out there and make a contribution.”
What the team asked, and how Samson answered
With Gill restored at the top, India opted for flexibility through the middle. That meant Samson’s brief could change game to game: control the tempo at No. 3, bridge spin pockets at No. 5, or be held back if the finishing template demanded a left‑right balance and a hitter for the last three overs. Samson responded by prioritising clarity over comfort.
“From my side, I am just looking to take a few balls and get my eye in and then put in a positive contribution. Make an impact and hit those few sixes… Some days it comes off and some days it doesn’t. That acceptance also really helps.”
Samson’s role by match (Asia Cup 2025)
Opponent | Stage | Batting position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Oman | Group A | No. 3 | Slotted at first drop to stabilise powerplay momentum |
Pakistan | Super Four | No. 5 | Floated for middle‑overs spin matchups |
Bangladesh | Super Four | DNB | Held back as India worked a left‑right finish; did not bat |
Sri Lanka | Super Four | No. 5 | Middle‑order cameo lifted the finish; showed clean range hitting |
DNB = did not bat
Why the reshuffle happened
Top‑order balance: With Abhishek flying and Gill reinstated, India doubled down on a high‑gear powerplay, freeing the middle to flex around matchups.
Middle‑overs control: A floating No. 5 is India’s lever against wrist‑spin and pace off; Samson’s bat speed and spin options keep the field honest.
Finishing structure: If India want a left-right thread to the end, the order can hold Samson back and deploy an all‑rounder to target short dimensions and seamers’ change‑ups.
The quick 39 that underlined the brief
Against Sri Lanka, Samson’s middle‑order burst showed what the role looks like when it clicks: take a few balls to sight, then hit over the top into the V and across the line when the length allows. It wasn’t an opener’s script; it was a problem‑solver’s innings that lifted an already strong platform into a winning total.
The debate—and the point
Some felt Samson should never be shuffled away from the top because his T20I hundreds have come as an opener. He, however, leaned on clarity and trust. The captain and coach set the expectations; Samson accepted the trade‑offs of a floating brief, knowing he might bat fewer balls but higher leverage. That mindset has value in tournaments where matchups and surfaces swing quickly.
What this means for India’s final template
Keep the powerplay violent and clean with Abhishek–Gill; let No. 3 adapt to wickets lost.
Use Samson as the middle‑overs trump: if it’s spin in play, he can accelerate; if it’s seam into the pitch, he can hold shape and target straight.
Don’t be rigid: the best XI is the one best suited to the day’s dimensions and matchups; Samson’s range gives India optionality without panic.
“You can’t say that you have scored runs in opening and you are really good at the top three… Why can’t I be a good villain also—so let’s see how it goes,” Samson quipped, summing up India’s embrace of flexible roles.