India's Batting Shuffle Sparks Controversy in Asia Cup
In the ongoing 2025 Asia Cup, India achieved a notable victory against Bangladesh, winning by 41 runs in the Super Four stage. However, the match was not without its controversies, particularly regarding the batting order. Fans and experts alike are questioning the decisions made by the Indian team management, especially concerning the treatment of talented player Sanju Samson.
In this match, India batted first after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl. Opener Abhishek Sharma gave a fantastic performance, scoring 75 runs off just 37 balls, which included six fours and five sixes. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to contribute meaningfully. Key players like Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma fell quickly, scoring only single-digit runs. A crucial mix-up between Suryakumar and Abhishek led to the latter's dismissal, further complicating India's innings.
One of the most discussed points of the match was Sanju Samson's unexpected demotion in the batting order, where he came in at number 8. This decision left many baffled, especially since India was in a strong position at 72 runs without losing a wicket during the powerplay. By the time they reached 112 for 2 in the 11th over, it seemed logical to send in a skilled batsman like Samson to capitalize on the momentum. Instead, the team managed to score only 56 runs in the last nine overs, raising eyebrows regarding the batting strategy.
Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron expressed his frustration over the decision to hold Samson back, stating that the team should have utilized him earlier in the innings. He highlighted that Samson had previously opened in T20Is and was in good form, having scored three centuries last year. Aaron questioned the logic behind sending Axar Patel ahead of such a talented batsman, especially when the team needed runs quickly.
Critics argue that frequent changes in the batting order can disrupt a player's rhythm and confidence. With every player in the top eight having the ability to score at a high strike rate, the lack of a clear strategy raises concerns. As India looks forward to the next challenges in the Asia Cup, fans hope for a more consistent and logical batting approach that does justice to the team's talent.
