Sanju Samson returned to action with the bat after not getting any opportunity against UAE and Oman in the ongoing Asia Cup, as he got promoted to number 3 on Friday night against Oman.
The wicketkeeper batter, who usually opens the innings for India alongside Abhishek Sharma was displaced by Test captain Shubman Gill at the top of the order after he was named vice-captain of the team.
Samson made the most of the opportunity despite a slow start and slammed his third T20I fifty and finished the innings as India's highest-scorer with 56(45) to his name with the help of 3 fours and 3 sixes.
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However, considering he is likely to be seen batting after Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav in the upcoming crucial games, former India opener Wasim Jaffer expressed his disappointment over his promotion.
Here's what he had to say.
Wasim Jaffer shared his views on Sanju Samson's promotion
While analysing India's start of the match with ESPNcricinfo, Jaffer believed India would achieve nothing from promoting Samson up the order, as they want him in a finisher's role ahead of the World Cup 2026.
"He should be batting at number 5. He needs to get used to that number, he hasn't batted there at all for Rajasthan Royals or the Indian team. He needs game-time a lot later in the innings and accelerating from the get-go. He is a quality player, if he bats at that number, he will get used to that," he said.
"He is a clean striker of the ball, but it is something that he is not used to doing. Even though you might be tempted to give him game time, I don't think he is going to achieve anything by batting at 3," Jaffer added.
Previously, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shed light on the team management's expectations from the batter and revealed he could bat anywhere from 3 to 6, according to the team's requirements.
While Samson continues to bat lower in the order, it could be interesting if Gautam Gambhir and co. turn their heads towards Jitesh Sharma, who is a designated finisher and has been in great touch in recent months.
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