Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa suggested that wicketkeeper Sanju Samson should master the finisher’s role to secure his place in the national team moving forward. The 30-year-old had seemingly established himself as an opener in T20Is since mid-last year.
Before the Asia Cup, Samson had scored three centuries in his last 12 T20I innings, forming a strong opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma. However, with Shubman Gill included for the tournament, the Kerala batter has been moved to the middle order.
Samson has not yet batted in India’s first two Asia Cup 2025 matches due to their commanding victories. Commenting on India’s batting lineup following their seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, Uthappa said on his YouTube channel (47:40):
“It feels like the India team is operating from a place of there is no batting order for anybody. It’s going to be purely left-right combination driven. Axar’s role will become a pure finisher role along with Hardik, given Dube and Samson’s prowess in the middle overs against spin. And Sanju, if he wants to play in this team for a long time, then he has to switch into the finisher role as well.”
He further added: “Right now his competition in the team is Jitesh Sharma, who is also a class act with the bat when he finishes. Yes, he throws his bat around a lot but he does pull off some incredible things. So if Sanju wants to do a favor for himself and his career, he should focus primarily on finishing the innings and batting at the death.”
“Practice 18 Balls Daily”– Uthappa Guides Samson On Becoming A T20 Finisher
Robin Uthappa also explained how Samson could evolve into a finisher in T20 cricket, stating:
“So start with spin thinking you’re going to be playing 18 deliveries in a game ( final six overs). That’ll be around six to eight balls of spin and the rest fast bowlers. In 18 balls, can you get a 45? That should be the best case scenario. Day in and day out that’s what he should be practicing. This will help you get into the headspace of a finisher. So first you get familiar with the role and then refine it as you go along,” he stated.
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