Overview
- Samson volunteered to bat at No. 5 for Kochi Blue Tigers in the Kerala Cricket League on Thursday, a departure from his usual opening role.
- He did not face a ball as the Tigers chased 98 in 11.5 overs, with Saly Viswanath guiding the win.
- Vinoop Manoharan and Jobin Joby opened in Samson’s place, reinforcing the tactical shift reported as preparation for the Asia Cup.
- Gill’s return as vice-captain reshapes India’s top order, with Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav expected at Nos. 3 and 4.
- Samson’s strongest T20 returns have come at No. 3, while his limited outings at Nos. 5–6 contrast with rival keeper Jitesh Sharma’s proven lower-order hitting.