R Ashwin on selection call: Want to see if India will give Sanju Samson a chance to No. 3 in South Africa T20Is, during his latest appearance on Ash ki Baat. As India and South Africa gear up for a crucial five-match T20I series, the spotlight has shifted to the team’s wicket-keeping combination and the ongoing debates surrounding Sanju Samson’s batting position. The discussion was brought back into focus after R Ashwin openly addressed the issue.
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Ashwin questions India’s top-order choices
R Ashwin on selection call: Ashwin highlighted that despite Sanju Samson’s stellar 2024 run—where he hammered three centuries, including two in South Africa—the Kerala star has struggled to find a fixed spot since losing his opening position to Shubman Gill. The former all-rounder reiterated emphasizing how team balance has been affected by constant reshuffling.
Samson briefly featured at No. 3 during the Australia tour but was sidelined again in favour of Jitesh Sharma. Ashwin believes this inconsistency must end as India build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. The veteran stated that clarity in batting roles will be essential, “Want to see if India will give Sanju Samson a chance to No. 3 in South Africa T20Is R Ashwin on wicket-keeper stability moving forward.”
India’s leadership speaks on the conundrum
India captain Suryakumar Yadav also admitted that Samson has performed well as an opener but clarified that Shubman Gill’s prior contributions earned him his place back in the lineup. According to SKY, flexibility will be key for non-openers, although this has only heightened the debate surrounding the keeper-batter’s role.
R Ashwin on selection call: Want to see if India will give Sanju Samson a chance to No. 3 in South Africa T20Is adding that the series will reveal whether India can settle on a final XI ahead of the global event.
A defining series ahead
As the competition begins in Cuttack, India aim to find stability after months of experimentation. R Ashwin on selection call: Want to see if India will give Sanju Samson a chance to No. 3 in South Africa T20Is—underline how pivotal this series could be in shaping the squad for 2026.
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Source: The Indian Express
