'Shubman Had Played Before Him...': Suryakumar Yadav Explains Sanju Samson's Batting Position Downgrade Ahead Of T20I Series

India vs South Africa: Ahead of the 1st T20I match against South Africa in Cuttack, India's captain Suryakumar Yadav was full of praise for his players, lauding their ability to stay flexible in the batting order. When asked specifically about wicketkeeper Sanju Samson's downgrade from the opening position, Suryakumar explained how Shubman deserved that spot before him.

Since Gill's inclusion, Samson has been batting either at number five or slotted at number three.

"In terms of Sanju, when he came on the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series and so he deserved to take that spot.

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"But we gave Sanju enough opportunities - he's ready to bat at any number, which is good to see - any player who's ready and flexible to bat anywhere from three to six. I have told batters other than the openers that you have to be flexible to bat.

"So, both are in the scheme of things - it's lovely to have players like them be a part of the squad. One can open, the other can bat lower down the order - even both can do all the roles. So they are a good asset for our team and a good headache to have," he said.

Suryakumar Yadav welcomed Hardik Pandya's return to the set-up, saying the seam-bowling all-rounder's experience lends crucial and significant balance to the side in their preparation for next year's T20 World Cup. Pandya, who has played 120 games in the shortest format for India, is back in the T20I team after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup in the UAE in September.

"Both of them look healthy and fit. They have come along with the team. What you saw in Asia Cup also was when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us with respect to the playing eleven.

"So that's what he brings to the table and his experience is invaluable. He has done well in a lot of good games, big games and ICC and ACC events also. So that experience counts for a lot and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side," said Suryakumar in the pre-match press conference on Monday.

India squad for T20I series against South Africa: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar

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