Sanju Samson slotted at No. 3 in India’s Playing XI for 3rd T20I vs South Africa

Sanju Samson slotted at No. 3 in India’s Playing XI for 3rd T20I vs South Africa

Former Indian Cricketer Robin Uthappa Suggests Changes in Indian Batting Order

Former Indian wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa has shared his insights on the Indian batting order ahead of the third T20I in Dharamsala. Uthappa believes that changes need to be made to bring consistency to the team’s performance.

The Need for Change

According to Uthappa, India’s batting lineup has been struggling, with only a few players showing promise. He pointed out that apart from players like Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, the rest of the Indian batters have failed to perform consistently.

Uthappa expressed concerns about the performance of Suryakumar Yadav, the current captain of the team. With an average of only 14 runs in 17 innings, Yadav has not been able to make a significant impact with the bat. Similarly, vice-captain Shubman Gill has averaged around 20 runs after 14 innings without scoring a half-century in 2025.

Sanju Samson’s Possible Return

After another disappointing batting display in the second match, Uthappa suggested that Sanju Samson should be brought back into the Indian XI for the upcoming T20I in Dharamsala. He proposed a new batting order that includes Samson at number 3, ahead of Yadav and Varma.

Uthappa emphasized the importance of having a fixed spot in the lineup for players like Yadav to regain their form. He highlighted Yadav’s successful stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL when he was consistently slotted in at number 4.

Optimizing the Batting Lineup

Uthappa recommended a lineup with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma opening the batting, followed by Samson at number 3, Yadav at number 4, and Varma at number 5. He believes that this arrangement would provide India with both depth in batting and options in bowling.

Noting the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, Uthappa stressed the importance of finding the right balance in the team’s lineup. He suggested that players like Gill should stick to their natural game and not succumb to external pressures.

With the series against South Africa underway, Indian fans are hopeful that the team can make the necessary adjustments to improve their performance. Uthappa’s insights may prove valuable in guiding the team towards success in the upcoming matches.

Identifying Key Areas for Improvement

One of the main areas of concern highlighted by Uthappa is the middle-order batting collapse that has been plaguing the Indian team. With inconsistent performances from established players like Yadav and Gill, there is a pressing need for a reshuffle to inject new energy and stability into the lineup.

Uthappa’s emphasis on the return of Sanju Samson underscores the importance of providing opportunities to players who have the potential to make a significant impact. Samson’s aggressive batting style and ability to stabilize the innings could prove to be valuable assets for India in the upcoming matches.

Striking a Balance Between Experience and Youth

As India looks to rebuild its batting order, finding the right balance between experienced players and young talents is crucial. Uthappa’s suggestion to include promising youngsters like Varma and Sharma alongside more established names like Yadav and Gill reflects a strategy aimed at nurturing a mix of skill sets and perspectives within the team.

By integrating seasoned players with a wealth of international experience with rising stars who bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the table, India can create a dynamic batting lineup capable of adapting to different match situations and challenges.

Building Momentum for the ICC T20 World Cup

With the ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, Uthappa’s recommendations hold particular significance. The tournament requires teams to be at their peak performance, both individually and collectively. By making strategic adjustments to the batting order now, India can use the ongoing series against South Africa as a testing ground to fine-tune their lineup and build momentum heading into the global competition.

Uthappa’s insights serve as a timely reminder of the importance of proactive decision-making and adaptability in cricket, especially in the fast-paced T20 format where every run and wicket can tip the scales in favor of one team over the other.

Final Thoughts

As Indian cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches, the potential changes in the batting order proposed by Robin Uthappa offer a glimpse into the strategic thinking and vision required to elevate the team’s performance. By heeding Uthappa’s suggestions and implementing a more cohesive and dynamic batting lineup, India can position themselves as formidable contenders in the T20 format, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive cricket season ahead.

With Uthappa’s experienced perspective and astute observations, Indian cricket fans can look forward to witnessing a renewed sense of purpose and determination in their team’s approach to the game, as they strive for excellence on the field and aim for success in the upcoming challenges that lie ahead.

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