Sanju Samson flexible enough to drop down batting order, says mentor Raiphi Gomez

Since the announcement of India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025, the focus has shifted to the future of Sanju Samson in the T20I setup. The return of Shubman Gill, who has also been named vice-captain, has sparked debates on who between the two will take up the opening slot during the continental tournament.

Samson’s mentor and long-time coach, Raiphi Gomez, however, remains unfazed about the chatter. He expressed confidence in Samson’s adaptability, pointing out that the wicketkeeper-batter has the skillset to adjust to different roles if required.

“Being a professional and internationally established player, Sanju is flexible enough to make the adjustments if he has to bat down the order. His flexibility is what guides him, and he is very confident about his abilities,” Gomez, the former Kerala and Pondicherry all-rounder, told The Telegraph.

The ongoing speculation has been fuelled by Samson’s position as a regular member of India’s T20I setup under Gautam Gambhir. Yet, Gomez insists that the noise surrounding his role is external and not something that impacts Samson’s mindset.

“Has Sanju said anything about being under pressure? No. So, it’s all outside noise, and we are not really concerned about what is being said outside,” Gomez added.

“Our focus is on making sure Sanju keeps getting better with the bat. He is only concerned about the job he needs to do for India,” he said.

England T20Is, IPL Form Not a Concern

Concerns were raised earlier this year after Samson’s struggles against England’s express pace in the T20I series at home, coupled with his inability to find rhythm during the IPL due to injury setbacks.

According to Gomez, those issues are now behind him. Samson has worked extensively at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence to regain full fitness and sharpen his game.

“What happened in the England T20Is is part and parcel of the game, which every cricketer goes through. Then, after the injury during the IPL, he spent necessary time at the (BCCI) Centre of Excellence to regain fitness, and now, he appears well placed rhythm-wise, playing in these KCL matches,” Gomez concluded.