India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign is set to begin on 10th September, but one of the big talking points before the first match has been Sanju Samson’s role in the team.
Despite his brilliant numbers in T20Is over the last year, the return of Shubman Gill has put Samson’s place in the starting lineup in doubt.
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Former India star and legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his opinion and feels it is unlikely that Samson will start in the tournament.
Ashwin believe Shubman Gill will start over Sanju Samson
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that the team combination looks almost fixed except for one spot, the second opener’s role.
The possibility of Samson slotting in at the middle order was also raised. But Ashwin was firm in saying that there is “no chance” of that happening.
He even mentioned that during net sessions, Samson did not bat, which to him was a clear sign of the management’s plan.
"The rest of the 10 are a lock, this is the only debatable spot. Will Sanju Samson have a spot in the middle order? No chance in my opinion. You can figure this out by looking at the nets, just like how looking at a house can help figure about a country," said Ashwin.
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Shubman Gill is likely to open with Abhishek Sharma, leaving no room for Samson at the top. Samson had been in brilliant touch since the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring runs at a rapid pace and even building a strong opening stand with Abhishek.
Despite this, Ashwin noted that Gill’s comeback after a year has tilted the balance in his favour.
"Shubman Gill will definitely play, while Sanju Samson will only be knocking (practice). Because he didn't even bat in the nets. It's sad that he won't be starting in the Asia Cup," he added.
READ: Will Sanju play in India's starting XI in Asia Cup 2025? SKY responds
What has the team management said about Samson’s selection?
During a press conference in Dubai ahead of India’s opening game against UAE, captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked about Samson’s role.
He first joked about sending the playing XI via text, before assuring that the team is taking good care of Samson and a decision will be made on match day.
However, reports from training sessions have suggested that Jitesh Sharma has been given more chances in the nets than Samson, fuelling talks that he could be preferred as wicketkeeper-batter in the XI.
Related links:
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- Asia Cup 2025: Full squads for all teams participating in UAE T20I tournament