In recent years, there has been a consistent concern in Indian white-ball cricket regarding the overwhelming number of right-handed batsmen in the top order. This strategy resulted in predictable angles for bowlers and standardized field settings, prompting team management to advocate for the inclusion of left-handed batsmen to disrupt opponents' plans and add variety to their top order. As of now, this strategy seems to be evolving as the reliance on left-handers has increased significantly in the team’s batting identity, especially leading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Currently, following controversies in previous tournaments, the composition of the Indian batting lineup has changed drastically. In the 2022 World Cup, only one left-handed batsman was present in the top six, while this number increased to three by 2024. The ongoing tournaments showcase this shift further, with five left-handers in the top six against South Africa and six against Pakistan. This transformation is not merely a result of chance but a carefully orchestrated strategy aimed at enhancing the team's competitiveness.

However, this dramatic shift towards left-handed batsmen also raises concerns about strategic imbalances. Players like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan have embodied this new batting template, characterized by aggressive and fearless play during powerplays, capable of seizing matches. Nevertheless, this focus on left-handers might inadvertently create vulnerabilities, as over-reliance on one batting style can lead to predictability and weaknesses against varied bowling attacks. Hence, integrating versatile players like Sanju Samson could be crucial in fixing these imbalances while maintaining the effectiveness of the current batting strategy.