Cricket

SKY explains why Gill is preferred over Samson as India’s opener: 'We gave Sanju enough opportunities'

December 8, 2025

Trending:Vande Mataram debateThailand-Cambodia tensionGoa nightclub fireIndiGo crisisTrump new security strategyJD Vance anti-immigration remarkBigg Boss 19SKY explains why Gill is preferred over Samson as India’s opener: 'We gave Sanju enough opportunities'FirstCricket Staff • December 8, 2025, 17:09:21 ISTWhatsapp Facebook TwitterIndia captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson opening debate ahead of the 1st T20I against South Africa. AdvertisementSubscribe Join Us+ Follow us On GoogleChoose Firstpost on GoogleSuryakumar Yadav speaks to the media ahead of the first T20I against South Africa. Image: BCCIIndia captain Suryakumar Yadav spoke to the media before the first T20I against South Africa and addressed the ongoing discussion about who should open the batting - Shubman Gill or Sanju Samson. With Gill returning from a neck injury, India are once again looking to back him as the opener. Gill had injured himself during the Test match at the Eden Gardens last month, but he is now fully fit.

Suryakumar Yadav speaks to the media ahead of the first T20I against South Africa. Image: BCCI

Credit: Firstpost

Key Highlights

His comeback means he will open the innings with the in-form Abhishek Sharma, which Suryakumar believes will help India’s preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, slated to be held in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADSKY on Gill vs Samson debateSuryakumar explained how India moved from trying Samson as an opener to settling on Gill for the role.
Since Gill’s return to the T20I side during the Asia Cup earlier this year, Samson has been pushed down to No.
3 or No.
5 in the batting order.
SKY said India don’t want to disturb the openers and will only rotate batter lower down the order.“I feel in the last 5-6 series which we have played, we have tried and played with a similar combination.

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SKY explains why Gill is preferred over Samson as India’s opener: 'We gave Sanju enough opportunities'

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SKY explains why Gill is preferred over Samson as India’s opener: 'We gave Sanju enough opportunities'

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