Sanju Samson to Open Again? India Coach Ryan Ten Doeschate Drops Big Hint

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at a flexible batting order ahead of the West Indies match, with Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s positions under discussion.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has kept the batting order open ahead of the T20 World Cup Super 8 match against West Indies at Eden Gardens. Tilak Varma impressed at No.6 against Zimbabwe, hitting 44* off 16 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes. He added 84 runs off 41 balls with Hardik Pandya.

However, the team has not fixed his position. The coach said flexibility remains key. Sanju Samson’s aggressive start at the top has also given the management more options. Ten Doeschate noted that Tilak adapted well after 4 weeks out.

“It is not a foregone conclusion that he will bat at No. 5 or 6 tomorrow. We now have options. We have seen it work with Sanju Samson at the top. Depending on the opposition combination, we can adjust accordingly. I thought Tilak looked very comfortable coming in around the 10-over mark. That is a huge credit to him and the way he has adapted his game,” the coach said in the pre-match press conference.

“He has not been short of form. Spending four weeks on the sidelines and gradually building up is normal. It was great to see him back to his best and playing the situation beautifully. It is reassuring to know we have power in the middle order. The link between a strong start and finishing well is key to India’s success, and Tilak gives us flexibility in both roles,” he added.

“Will Fight Fire With Fire”, Says Ryan ten Doeschate

India will enter Sunday’s match in a do-or-die position. The team lost its first Super 8 match to South Africa. However, South Africa later beat the West Indies, which improved India’s qualification scenario. India now needs a win by any margin to reach the semi-finals.

Ryan ten Doeschate said the squad has regrouped well after the loss in Chennai. He also called for the experienced players to step up.

“The team is prepared. These are professionals who live for these moments. It was a quick turnaround after the disappointment against South Africa. The guys regrouped well in Chennai. We are going to fight fire with fire,” he said.

“It is about experienced players standing up. It is a testament to the players that they adapted so well the other night (at Chennai). I thought Tilak (Varma) looked good at six after batting at three for the majority of the last 18 months,” the coach added.

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The head-to-head record between India and the West Indies adds pressure. India has won only 1 of the 4 T20 World Cup matches against the West Indies.

“They(WI) possess power as good as any of the best teams in the world. When they come to a T20 competition, they give absolutely everything. This is their big moment in the calendar. But it’s a challenge we are relishing,” ten Doeschate concluded.