IND vs AUS: "Been part of this team for a long time"- Sanju Samson finally breaks silence on losing opening slot to Shubman Gill in T20Is

Sanju Samson said that he has batted at different positions for India in T20Is over the years.

Indian wicket-keeper Sanju Samson broke silence on losing the opening slot to Shubman Gill in the T20I side, saying that he does not have any issues with the decision, as he has batted at different positions in his career.

In the home T20I series against Bangladesh in 2024, Sanju Samson, who didn’t get consistent opportunities in the national side, was given the chance to open the innings and he aced that challenge, hitting truckloads of runs at the top and slamming three tons.

He along with Abhishek Sharma formed a formidable pair, but the return of Shubman Gill in the T20I team for Asia Cup 2025 changed the things. Gill, who was named vice-captain of the T20I side, took the opening slot along with Abhishek as Samson was asked to bat in the middle-order.

However, the decision to remove him as opener in T20Is saw team management facing a lot of criticism. But, since the Abhishek-Gill pair did a decent job as openers in the tournament, the Men in Blue continued with them at the top in the first T20I between Australian Cricket Team and Indian Cricket Team on Wednesday, October 29 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

I have been part of this team for a long time now and have done different roles: Sanju Samson

While speaking to broadcasters, Star Sports, ahead of the first T20I between Australia and India in Canberra, Samson responded to losing the opening slot to Gill. The wicket-keeper batsman said that he has performed different roles for India in the past and is ready to bat at any position.

“To be honest, I have played a lot of different roles for a lot of different teams. I have been part of this team for a long time now and have done different roles. I have opened the batting. I have finished matches,” he said.

“Now, I am batting in the middle order. Only the openers are fixed in this team. The rest of the batters have to be ready to bat at any time and in any situation. We are well prepared for that,” he added.

Speaking about India’s preparation for the T20I series against Australia, Samson said that they are looking to focus on one game at a time.

“Yesterday, we just had a meeting and discussed the importance of the upcoming three T20I series before the World Cup. It is about focusing on one game at a time and putting ourselves under pressure against Australia. In these conditions, we will be tested. That is what is required to test ourselves physically and mentally. We are looking forward to it,” Samson further said.

Meanwhile, the first T20I between Australia and India ended without a result due to rain. After being asked to bat first, India got a superb start in the clash, reaching 97/1 till 9.4 overs before rain stopped the play.

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