Sanju Samson’s Modest Knock Sparks Concern Over Mid-120 Strike Rate Against Oman: ‘Not His Most Fluent Innings’

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer pointed out that Sanju Samson wasn’t at his fluent best on Friday, as reflected by his strike rate, which remained below 125.

Sanju Samson Shines Despite Strike Rate Concerns

Sanju Samson finally got a chance to bat in the Asia Cup 2025 after Suryakumar Yadav promoted him up the order against Oman. Although Samson lost his opening spot to Shubman Gill, the team management backed him by placing him in the middle order during India’s first two matches, where he hadn’t batted. On Friday night, he came in at number three and scored a 41-ball half-century, featuring three sixes and three fours, as India posted 188/8.

While India continued losing wickets from the other end, Samson stood tall, though his strike rate of 124.44 raised questions about his alignment with India’s aggressive batting style adopted since last year’s T20 World Cup.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer noted, “It wasn’t as fluent as Sanju generally bats. His strike rate was in the mid-120s. Generally, he has a higher strike rate,” speaking on ESPNCricinfo.

“Would have liked to see Samson bat at No. 5 or No. 6”

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer described Sanju Samson’s innings against Oman as “scratchy” but defended the wicketkeeper-batter, noting that facing lesser-known associate bowlers can be deceptively tricky. Jaffer also suggested Samson might be better suited to batting at No. 5 or No. 6 in upcoming matches.

“That can happen against associate teams. When you don’t know the bowlers, lack of pace can do you in. It can be a little difficult. It might look easy, but it is not. It was a scratchy innings. I am happy that he got runs, but I would have liked to see him bat at No. 5 or No. 6 because he is going to play in that situation in the next three games,” Jaffer said.

Meanwhile, India edged out a spirited Oman side by 21 runs to finish the league stage with three consecutive victories. In less than 48 hours, Suryakumar Yadav and his team will face Pakistan in the Super Four in Dubai. Ahead of that clash, the Indian skipper wisely allowed his other 10 teammates valuable time in the middle while pushing himself down to number 11.

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