Sanju Samson's place in India's batting order has become a topic of much discussion, particularly in light of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Despite a stellar performance as an opener, including three T20I centuries in the past year, Samson was positioned in the middle order for the match against the UAE. This decision has sparked debate among cricket experts and fans alike.

In the Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE, Samson was slotted at number five, although he did not get the opportunity to bat as India chased a small target. According to India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, the team management, including captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, believe that playing Samson at five or six is the right choice over Jitesh Sharma. Kotak has expressed confidence in Samson's versatility, stating that he is capable of batting at any number, depending on the team's requirements.

However, some experts are not convinced that the middle order is the right fit for Samson. Former India captain and selector Kris Srikkanth believes that Samson is being played at number five to make way for Shreyas Iyer's return to the T20I side. Srikkanth argues that Samson has not batted much at that position and should not be placed there, as it could negatively impact his confidence. He also raised concerns about whether Samson can effectively finish games, suggesting that Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube are better suited for that role.

Samson's T20I record reveals a stark contrast between his performance as an opener and in the middle order. As an opener, he has scored 522 runs, including three centuries, while at number five, he has only managed 62 runs at an average of 20.62. Despite these statistics, Kotak insists that Samson is happy to bat wherever the team needs him.

While Samson has primarily opened in T20Is, he has had some success at number four, scoring 213 runs with a half-century in 11 innings. However, with Shubman Gill's emergence as vice-captain and his fixed opening position, Samson's opportunities at the top of the order seem limited.

Ultimately, the decision of where to bat Sanju Samson rests with the team management. While his talent and potential are undeniable, finding the right batting position to maximize his contribution to the team remains a challenge. As the Asia Cup 2025 progresses, it will be interesting to see how Samson adapts to his role in the middle order and whether he can replicate his opening success in a different position. His adaptability and the team's strategy will be crucial in determining his long-term fit in the Indian batting lineup.