IND vs SA 2025: Why did Shubman Gill replace Sanju Samson as opener in T20Is? Suryakumar Yadav explains

Shubman Gill returned to India’s T20I side after 14 months during the Asia Cup in September. The Punjab batter just didn’t make a comeback, but was also appointed as the vice-captain in the shortest format. Fans were curious to know how Shubman, making a comeback to the side after spending over a year focusing on Tests and ODIs, got to open the batting from the first match onwards in the Asia Cup, pushing the in-form Sanju Samson down the order.

In October-November, Samson had scored three centuries in five T20Is while opening the batting. However, ahead of the first T20I between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, captain Suryakumar Yadav explained the rationale behind Shubman opening the batting ahead of Samson.

Suryakumar said that Shubman was India’s opener during the T20I series in Sri Lanka in July 2024 when he had taken charge of the team. That is why, despite Samson’s performance in the subsequent assignments, Shubman got to bat at his favourite spot upon returning to the side.

“In terms of Sanju, when he came onto the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, I feel everyone else has to be very flexible. He really did well when he opened the innings. But Shubman has played before him in the Sri Lanka series, so he deserved to take that spot,” Suryakumar said in the pre-match press conference.

Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma?

Samson was moved to the middle order after Shubman’s comeback. He scored one half-century from five matches before being replaced by Jitesh Sharma during the tour of Australia. While Jitesh is expected to start in the series against South Africa, Suryakumar stated that Samson is also in contention.

“We gave Sanju Samson opportunities; he was ready to bat at any number. It’s good to see a player being ready to bat in any position,” Suryakumar said.

“From 3–6, anywhere. I have told this to all the batters: other than the openers, everyone has to be flexible. Both are in the scheme of things. It’s always good to have both of them as part of the squad. One can open, one can bat lower down the order. Both can do all the roles. It’s an asset to our team and a good headache to have,” he added.