Murali Kartik backs Sanju Samson to succeed in middle order amid Asia Cup

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik has urged the team management to help Sanju Samson in embracing his new batting role in the middle order in the ongoing Asia Cup. After Shubman Gill has been appointed as the team’s vice-captain, he has been given the opening slot whereas Samson is batting in the middle order.

On Sunday, in the Super Four clash against Pakistan, Samson trudged to 13 runs off 17 balls. Kartik said the Kerala batter has the skills to succeed while batting in the middle and its all about getting the best out of him.

The former spinner said Samson should practice and adjust his game accordingly and come up with the goods. In the last Group A fixture, Samson had scored 56 runs off 45 balls against Oman and was awarded the Player of the Match.

Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz, “If Sanju is going to be playing moving forward, and if that’s the role (No.5) he’s going to be given, is it upon Sanju now to prepare for that or do you move the others from their spot because you are trying to create a spot for Sanju at No. 3? If he’s so vital to your side, does he move to No. 3 and the others adjust their game or does he adjust his game to keep his place in the side? Maybe get somebody to help him because he’s a very classical player.”

“Jitesh Sharma is better suited, just the way he bats, he’s better suited for that middle order. They have so many people there who can help Sanju with this role because he has the game and the skills.”

Meanwhile, Indian openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma gave a blistering start to India in the run-chase of 172, adding 105 runs off 59 balls. Kartik said it looked like that the game would be over within 15 overs but India won with seven balls to spare.

“The way the Indian openers started, if it had not been for the injury and then Shubman Gill getting out, I think this game looked like it would be over by the 14th or15th over. So when you compare man to man, player to player, India are a far superior side,” said Kartik (via the aforementioned source).

India will next take on Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.