Despite losing five wickets within 15 overs, India`s reluctance to send in Sanju Samson raised significant concerns.
India`s batting lineup faced intense scrutiny after they were restricted to 168 for 6 against Bangladesh in a Super Four match during the Asia Cup 2025. Following a promising start, scoring 72 for no loss in the powerplay and reaching 112 for 2 after 11 overs, the Indian batsmen managed only 56 runs for 4 wickets in the subsequent nine overs.
On ESPNcricinfo`s “Time Out,” cricket experts Aakash Chopra described India`s batting order as “inexplicable,” while Varun Aaron expressed being “perplexed” by Sanju Samson not being utilized at all. After Rishad Hossain dismissed Shubman Gill in the seventh over, Shivam Dube came in at No. 3 but was quickly dismissed for just 2 runs off three balls.
Chopra observed that despite the pitch appearing favorable for batting, India compounded its problems with a “very weird” batting strategy. Aaron concurred, suggesting that Samson, known for performing well higher up the order, would have been a more suitable option against the spinners than Dube.
At the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav defended the decision, explaining that Dube was considered a “perfect match-up” against Bangladesh`s left-arm and leg-spinners, specifically targeted for the 7-15 over period. However, this tactic proved ineffective. India`s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, had previously stated a flexible approach where players are prepared to bat at any position, often to maintain a left-right batting combination.
Nevertheless, Samson has rarely batted at No. 3 since Gill`s return to the top order. In the match against Bangladesh, even after the fifth wicket fell in the 15th over, Axar Patel (who scored 10 not out off 15 balls) was sent to bat ahead of Samson.
Aaron found the decision to send Axar ahead of Samson illogical, pointing out Samson`s three T20I centuries last year. He also questioned the frequent changes in the batting lineup, noting that most Indian batsmen are capable of maintaining a high strike rate.
Dube`s effectiveness against spin has notably declined; his average against spin dropped from 73.4 with a strike rate of 166.1 between January 2023 and April 2024, to just 21.1 with a strike rate of 121.8 thereafter. Chopra criticized the early deployment of Dube in the seventh over, arguing that such a move to “take down” a bowler is typically more effective in later overs when bowling options are constrained.
