India, Sept. 25 -- Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson opened in all 17 T20I matches India played since the World Cup win last June, which included three centuries. Yet, he wasn't picked as a designated opener for the Asia Cup tournament. In fact, despite being in the playing XI in all four matches India played thus far in the tournament, Samson has had no fixed batting role. On Wednesday, the Kerala batter opened up on the pressures of his shifting role in the India XI, saying the need for him to be "a Joker, a villain" in response to tough questions from Sanjay Manjrekar.

Ahead of the start of India's second Super Four game in the Asia Cup 2025, Manjrekar put Samson on the spot during his chat with the official broadcasters. Manjrekar ask...