Earlier this week, Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on Sanju Samson losing his starting spot in India’s first T20I against South Africa.

Sanju Samson was left out of the starting XI for the fourth time in the last six games to make room for Jitesh Sharma. The team management has more or less made it clear that Sharma is ahead of the Kerala star when it comes to the finisher’s role in the team.

Not so long ago, Sanju Samson was the automatic choice in the T20I team, but things have changed since Shubman Gill was recalled to the T20I team and got the starting berth. With Gill and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings, Sanju Samson was demoted in the middle order but was not given the long-term support as Sharma was the clear favorite at the position.

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Ravichandran Ashwin on Sanju Samson’s omission:

As Sanju Samson struggles to get a regular spot in the starting XI, Ravichandran Ashwin said that once Gill is recalled to the team, the wicketkeeper-batsman would always find it difficult to become the regular in the side.

“There was a lot of discussion before the match about whether Sanju should be playing and why he was not playing etc. Whenever Sanju was dropped from the team, there was always discussion, whether he got a fair play, etc. The moment Shubman Gill came into the team, as vice-captain, Sanju would always find it difficult to get into the eleven.” R Ashwin said.

“Let Samson fight third.”

Ravichandran Ashwin further said that if the team management does give Samson a chance in the upcoming games, he should bat at number three. The former India spin spearhead said Samson is unlikely to make a big impact at number five and should get a chance to break into the top three.

“Sanju hasn’t played enough at No. 5 and Jitesh Sharma’s performance in the team is his finishing ability. That’s the role he plays in RCB, so it’s always going to be difficult for Sanju. If you play Sanju, play him at No. 3 and use him against spin,” he said.