India faced Australia in the third T20I on November 2 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. This match was critical for the Indian team, trailing 0-1 in the series. A loss would mean they could not win the series. Ahead of this match, India made significant changes to their lineup, one of which was the exclusion of Sanju Samson, a decision that drew considerable attention.
Top 3 Reasons Sanju Samson Dropped from Third T20I Against Australia
The Indian management’s choice to replace Samson with Jitesh Sharma raised eyebrows, particularly because Samson has been an integral member of the squad. Here are the primary reasons behind the decision:
1. Out of Position
The Indian team’s batting order was reshuffled with Shubman Gill opening alongside Abhishek Sharma. This left Samson, who typically performs best in an opening position, out of sync. Since Gill’s return to the team, Samson has struggled to find a stable spot, often moving between different batting orders. In the second T20I, for example, he batted at No. 3, disrupting the positioning of other key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma.
| Batting Position | Innings Played | Runs Scored | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opener | 17 | 522 | 38.7 | 178.8 | 3/1 |
| Non-Opener | 26 | 483 | 18.76 | 111.2 | 0/2 |
These statistics indicate that Samson performs significantly better as an opener compared to his efforts in the middle order.
2. Middle-Order Balance
While the removal of Samson is notable, the addition of Jitesh Sharma is equally impactful. The Indian team has been lacking depth in the lower-middle order, especially without Hardik Pandya. Jitesh’s inclusion fills this gap, providing the team with a dependable wicketkeeper and power-hitter in the middle order. This adjustment allows other players to maintain their preferred batting positions.
3. Part of Experimentation
Sanju Samson was not the only player omitted from the lineup. Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav were also dropped, making way for Arshdeep Singh and Washington Sundar. Coach Gautam Gambhir is known for his experimental approach, and these changes align with this strategy. Thus, Samson’s exclusion from the third T20I may not be a permanent decision, as he could be reintroduced for the fourth T20I regardless of the outcome.
In summary, the decision to drop Sanju Samson for the third T20I against Australia was driven by positional challenges, the need for a balanced middle order, and the ongoing experimental tactics from the management. As the series progresses, the team dynamics will likely evolve, with potential opportunities for players like Samson to return.
