Shubman Gill's selection as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in the Asia Cup squad has created controversy over possible changes to the Indian T20I batting order.
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson had sealed their spots at the top following multiple matches after India's T20 World Cup win, scoring runs at a brisk rate.
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However, when Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI brought in Gill as the vice-captain for the Asia Cup, it hinted at the possibility of Samson being replaced at the top of the order. Fans and experts expressed their disappointment, as the batter had grabbed his opportunities with both hands.
Now former India captain and coach Ravi Shastri has joined into the disussion, voicing his support for Samson and discussing the possible challenges in replacing the batter.
Why does Ravi Shastri want Sanju Samson to keep India opening spot over Shubman Gill?
As things stand, the world number 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma looks like a sure-shot starter after scoring 535 runs in the format in 16 innings at a strike rate of 193.84.
When asked whether Gill should replace Samson at the top during a media interaction on Sunday, Shastri did not seem happy with the idea and asked the management to stick by the proven pair.
READ MORE: Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson cheered in Dubai amid India T20I opener battle with Shubman Gill
"He [Samson] is most dangerous in the top three. That’s where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It [replacing Samson for Gill] won’t be that easy. Samson has a strong record for India at the top in T20," said Shastri.
Despite scoring 650 runs in 15 innings of IPL 2025, Shastri believes Gill would find it difficult to replicate Samson's T20I batting.
"Even Gill will find it tough to displace him. Gill may come in for someone else, but Samson should be left alone as opener," the former India coach added.
How have the Indian openers performed in T20Is?
Since Gill's debut, among the three openers selected for the Asia Cup, Gill has scored the most runs at the top of the batting order.
However, with two and three centuries to their names, the Abhishek and Samson duo are the only two with 180+ strike rates in the format for India.
| Batter | Innings | Runs | Avg/SR | Highest | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 21 | 578 | 30.42/139.27 | 126* | 3/1 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 14 | 511 | 36.50/199.60 | 135 | 2/2 |
| Shubman Gill | 13 | 417 | 34.75/182.89 | 111 | 0/3 |
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