Dubai, Sept. 23 -- India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has endorsed Sanju Samson, an established and prolific opener, to recalibrate to the number five role. The Dutchman sees Samson as the "best man" to fill that position ahead of their Super Fours fixture against Bangladesh at the ongoing Asia Cup in Dubai on Wednesday.

After the return of Shubman Gill to the T20Is side as vice-captain, Samson had to pack his bags and relinquish his spot in the batting order. With captain Suryakumar Yadav at the number three spot and Tilak Verma holding the fourth position, the only place left for Samson was number five.

He came out to bat in the new role in the Super Fours fixture against arch-rival Pakistan, but Samson laboured to churn out run...