Sanju Samson made 436 runs in 12 innings in 2024 as Indian opener in T20Is with 3 centuries.
Before the Asia Cup, Sanju was the opening partner of Abhishek Sharma; however, once Gill returned to India's T20I squad in the Asia Cup, the Kerala batter had moved down the order.
This was despite his brilliant outing in 2024 in T20Is, where he smashed three centuries as an opener, scoring 436 runs in 12 innings with a strike rate of 180.16. He scored two centuries in the T20I series against South Africa and one against Bangladesh at home.
Sanju Samson, batting in the middle order, appeared lost on Dubai and Abu Dhabi's low and slow wickets. He did, however, play an important knock in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, which helped to steady the team, along with Tilak Varma.
Speaking to official broadcasters ahead of the first T20I between India and Australia in Canberra, Sanju Samson was asked about his batting position in the Indian T20I team.
"To be honest, I have played a lot of different roles for a lot of different teams. I have been part of this team for a long time now and have done different roles. I have opened the batting. I have finished matches.
Now, I am batting in the middle order. Only the openers are fixed in this team. The rest of the batters have to be ready to bat at any time and in any situation. We are well prepared for that,” Samson said on Star Sports.
On the weather, conditions, and the heat he has faced on since landing in Australia, Samson said: "It definitely feels good to come out of the heat of Kerala and enjoy some cold weather here in Canberra. I am loving it. I am excited and looking forward to the game today. Definitely the skill sets. Also, the conditions. The weather as well. A lot of sweaters are already among the crowd and the players.”
On preparation for the T20I World Cup and the importance of this five-match T20I series, Samson said: "Yesterday, we just had a meeting and discussed the importance of the upcoming three T20I series before the World Cup. It is about focusing on one game at a time and putting ourselves under pressure against Australia. In these conditions, we will be tested. That is what is required to test ourselves physically and mentally. We are looking forward to it."
The first T20I between India and Australia at Canberra was called off due to rain after India made 97/1 in 9.4 overs inspite of multiple rain interruptions.