Vinay Kumar
Bangar emphasized the tactical value of having a right-hander open, especially in a batting order dominated by left-handers. He explained that this move limits the opposition’s ability to rely heavily on off-spin bowling early in the innings. “With a right-hander at the top, India are depriving the opposition of the opportunity to use off-spin as much. It’s not necessarily that off-spinners are causing a lot of problems to left-handers. It’s just that the batters are trying to force the issue against them and, in that process, getting out,” Bangar told Jio Hotstar.
He further highlighted the importance of maintaining a right-left combination in the top order. “This is a good mix because if you have three right-handers in the top seven, you can maintain the right-left combination and deprive the opposition of using four overs of off-spin,” he added.
Bangar also praised Samson’s proactive approach in the previous match against Zimbabwe. India had struggled with opening partnerships earlier in the tournament, averaging less than 10 runs in the first four or five games. According to Bangar, Samson’s positive intent helped change that trend. “I thought Sanju Samson was very proactive and moved a lot in the crease. Because of that, he created run-scoring opportunities and, in that sense, gave India the start they were looking for,” he said.
He added, “India were averaging less than 10 in terms of opening partnership in the four or five games they had played before the Zimbabwe match. So, the way he played, allowed Abhishek time to settle in, and by then India had already gotten off to a good start.”
Samson scored a quick 24 off 15 balls and also impressed behind the stumps with a sharp catch.
