Samson will figure out role at No. 5: ten Doeschate

There is often a fine balance to tread between demanding flexibility in a batting order and providing players comfort in a particular position. In the current Indian T20I line-up, it seems particularly important to let Sanju Samson know that the team management views him as an essential cog at No. 5.

Having been demoted down the order after Shubman Gill’s recall at the start of the Asia Cup, Samson was pushed to No. 3 for the inconsequential game against Oman and hit a scratchy half-century before going back to No. 5 for the clash versus Pakistan. He made 13 off 17 balls before a heave across the line against Haris Rauf clattered his stumps.

On the eve of the Super Four clash against Bangladesh, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided reassurance to the 30-year-old. “Samson has had two decent chances and he’s still figuring out how to play that role (at No. 5). The surface got a little bit tired in the Pakistan game. We’re really looking for a No. 5. We believe Samson is the best man for that job, and we’ve got no doubt he’ll figure out how to play that role in the future,” ten Doeschate told reporters.

When the discussion veered to Jasprit Bumrah’s rare off-day versus Pakistan, the Dutchman was asked whether the spearhead could be rested for one of India’s remaining games in the Super Four given the emphasis on the management of his workload. He was given a break from the group fixture against Oman.

“It’s very unlikely that you will go into the last Super Four game knowing you have qualified. So I’d say it is unlikely he’ll get a rest. Also bearing in mind we have a Test match (against West Indies) starting on Thursday, so it’s actually quite good preparation in terms of workload management,” he said.