“We gave Sanju enough opportunities” - Suryakumar Yadav opens up on Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson debate

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up on the longstanding Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson debate. Interestingly, Samson has been demoted down the order after Gill was elevated as the vice-captain of the Indian T20I team.

Speaking in the pre-series press conference, Suryakumar has asserted that all batters batting No.3 to No.7 have to be flexible to bat at any position in the order, depending on the game situation. 

"In terms of Sanju, when he came on the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now, the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, and so he deserved to take that spot,” SKY said in the pre-series press conference. 

"But we gave Sanju enough opportunities - he's ready to bat at any number, which is good to see - any player who's ready and flexible to bat anywhere from three to six. I have told batters other than the openers that you have to be flexible to bat,” he added.

"So, both are in the scheme of things - it's lovely to have players like them be a part of the squad. One can open, the other can bat lower down the order - even both can do all the roles. So they are a good asset for our team and a good headache to have," he said.

"(Shivam) Dube is an all-rounder, so as Hardik and you can't compare all-rounders with finishers. The thing is, all the batters from 3 to 7 are capable of batting at any position. For example, you might see Tilak Verma batting at six,” he noted.

"As you saw in Australia, Dube went in to bat at number three. It depends on the entry point of the batter. We have to be really flexible during that. Before us, you get to know how the squad will be. More likely, this is what the team and the squad looks like. It looks good. It looks strong. So, I am very happy with it,” he concluded.

Team India will lock horns with South Africa in the five-match T20I series starting on Tuesday, December 9, in Cuttack. This series will act as an ideal platform for preparation ahead of the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

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