Sanju Samson will lose T20I opening slot to Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025, feels Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane also added that Sanju Samson might lose his place in India’s T20I playing XI.

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane feels that Sanju Samson might lose his opening slot to Shubman Gill during Asia Cup 2025. He also said that Samson might lose his spot in India’s playing XI during the tournament.

Notably, Gill returned to India’s T20I setup after more than a year and has been named as vice-captain of the side as well for Asia Cup 2025. During India’s last T20I series, which was against England earlier this year, Abhishek Sharma and Samson opened the batting for the side.

While Abhishek has cemented his place as an opener in the shortest format with his aggressive batting approach, Samson also had impressive outings last year, where he scored three hundreds.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open for India, feels Ajinkya Rahane

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane said that Gill is highly likely to take the opening slot with Abhishek during Asia Cup 2025. Moreover, Samson might also need to sit out of the playing XI after Gill’s return to the T20I side.

“Shubman, he’s back in the team, I’m sure he is most likely to open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has done really well. Very confident guy, very good team man. I feel that is a very important thing,” he said.

“Sanju is a great team man, but that’s a very good problem to have for the team management. In my opinion, probably Sanju Samson will sit out, though as I said, I would like him to play and be in the playing XI. But Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings for the team,” Rahane added.

However, Samson managed only 51 runs in his last five T20I outings for India

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Blue will play their opening game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10. With Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, India are placed in Group A of the tournament. Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong are part of Group B.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.