Even in victory, some decisions leave a lingering question mark, echoing louder than the cheers for a winning shot. India’s comfortable 41-run triumph over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash provided two points, but it also ignited a fiery debate that has since dominated cricket conversations: the baffling demotion of Sanju Samson in the batting order.
An Unacceptable Shuffle
The incident that sparked this controversy occurred during India`s innings. With a robust lineup featuring Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma, one might expect a settled order for a player of Samson`s caliber. However, in a move that defied conventional cricketing wisdom, Samson found himself relegated to an unfamiliar No. 8 position. The final indignity? Axar Patel, a capable all-rounder but primarily a bowler, was sent to bat ahead of him in the crucial death overs. Consequently, Samson, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, never got the chance to wield his bat, remaining an unused weapon in India`s arsenal.
This strategic choice did not go unnoticed. Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh expressed his profound displeasure, taking to social media to voice his immediate concern:
“Sanju Samson at no 8 defies any cricketing logic. It`s simply unacceptable.”
His words resonated with many fans and pundits, highlighting a perceived oversight by the team management that bordered on bewildering, especially for a player of Samson`s talent profile.
The Captain`s Reasoning vs. Reality
Post-match, skipper Suryakumar Yadav offered his perspective on the batting reshuffle. He explained that the team had aimed to bat first in the Super Fours, and the decision to send Shivam Dube at No. 3 was a tactical one, particularly against Bangladesh`s left-arm spinner and leg-spinner in the 7-15 over range. While the intent might have been clear, the execution and its impact on Samson were less so. Yadav himself conceded, with a touch of candid understatement, that “it didn`t work.”
Indeed, a strategy that `didn`t work` yet resulted in a victory can often be quickly forgotten. However, when it involves a prominent player like Sanju Samson, whose international opportunities have often felt like a series of tantalizing glimpses rather than consistent roles, the scrutiny intensifies. The question isn`t just about the immediate match result, but about player management, confidence, and the long-term vision for India`s squad.
Victory`s Shadow: A Deeper Look at Team Dynamics
On the field, India’s performance was comprehensive. Abhishek Sharma’s breezy fifty laid a strong foundation, while the spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav (3/18), Axar Patel (1/37), and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/29) dismantled the Bangladeshi chase, bundling them out for 127. Despite Saif Hassan`s valiant 69 for Bangladesh, India secured the win, a result that eliminated Sri Lanka from the final race and set up a virtual knockout clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
But the comfort of victory often masks uncomfortable truths. The decision surrounding Samson underscores a broader challenge for team management: balancing tactical flexibility with player roles and consistency. For a player who has often been on the fringes, such a demotion, especially when the opportunity to bat never materializes, can be profoundly disheartening. It raises questions about clarity of roles and the value placed on specific talents within a star-studded lineup.
Cricket is as much a game of strategy as it is of psychology. While the Indian team secured a crucial win, the echoes of Ganesh`s “unacceptable” critique and the perplexing use of Sanju Samson will undoubtedly resonate through the dressing room and among fans. It`s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant conversations in cricket aren`t about who won, but about how they played the game – both on and off the field, in plain sight and behind the tactical curtain.
Rupert Hartwell 
Adrian Whitmore