India beat Bangladesh by 41 runs in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash. But instead of celebrating, fans were angry. The reason was Sanju Samson being pushed down to No. 8 in the batting order. For a player with three T20I centuries in 2024, this looked like poor management.
India’s Strong Start Turns Into Collapse
Abhishek Sharma smashed 75 off 37 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. India were 72/0 in the powerplay and looked set for a massive total. But the innings slowed after quick dismissals. The team scored just 56 runs in the last nine overs.
Middle-Order Failures and Mix-Up
Shivam Dube (2), Suryakumar Yadav (5), and Tilak Varma (5) all failed. A mix-up involving Suryakumar cost Abhishek his wicket. What began as a flying start soon turned into a disappointing slowdown, leaving India short of a 200+ score.
Samson Pushed Below Axar Patel
The biggest surprise was Axar Patel walking in ahead of Samson. Axar managed only 10* off 15 deliveries. Samson, sent to No. 8, did not face a single ball. Former cricketer Varun Aaron questioned the move, reminding everyone of Samson’s three T20I centuries last year.
Fans Voice Their Frustration
Trollers stormed social media with harsh criticism. Many felt Samson was being wasted without a fixed role. Fans pointed out how Tilak and Dube got chances at No. 3, while Samson was left waiting. Others slammed Gambhir’s decision-making, saying too much experimentation stopped India at 170.
Risky Strategy Against Stronger Teams
This is not only about Samson. India’s constant shuffling of the batting order nearly cost them against Bangladesh. Bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav saved the match. But fans fear against England or Australia this approach will fail.
Stability Needed for Samson
Samson is a proven top-order player. If India want a lower-order hitter, Jitesh Sharma fits the role better. Pushing Samson down again and again is hurting both him and the team. In knockout matches, such experiments will be dangerous.
