Sunil Gavaskar picks India XI for Asia Cup 2025; Removes Sanju Samson from the opening slot

Sanju Samson is expected to lose his opening slot to Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Indian Cricket Team might play Sanju Samson at No. 3 slot during Asia Cup 2025. Notably, Samson played as an opener during India’s last T20I series, which was against England earlier this year.

However, Shubman Gill has returned to India’s T20I setup for Asia Cup 2025, and also has been named as vice-captain of the side, which more or less guarantees him a spot in the playing XI. With him being an opening batter in white-ball cricket and Abhishek Sharma already sealing the spot with his aggressive approach at the top, the both Punjab batters are expected to open for India, which will make Samson lose his spot at the top.

Notably, Tilak Varma is the current No. 3 batter for India in T20I cricket. Samson has also played in the lower order. However, India already have finishers like Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma in the lower-order. Hence, it will be a challenging task to find a suitable spot for Samson during the tournament.

Sunil Gavaskar feels India might play Sanju Samson at No.3 during Asia Cup 2025

Speaking to the media, cricketer-turned-commentator Gavaskar said that Samson might get opportunities ahead of Jitesh Sharma in the first few games. Notably, Jitesh and Samson are two wicket-keepers in India squad.

“But my feeling is that maybe Samson will probably get the nod ahead of Jitesh for at least the first couple of games. And then, depending on what his form is for the rest of the tournament. But this is what I think will happen,” he said.

Gavaskar also believes that India might place Samson at No. 3 and play Varma in the lower-order.

“But that is why I think maybe they might even be thinking in terms of having him (Samson) at number three and having Tilak as a finisher at five or six. Because Hardik (Pandya) is in your team as well. So, Hardik will probably be batting at five or six again,” he added.

Sunil Gavaskar picks Sanju Samson in his India playing XI for Asia Cup 2025

Last month, Gavaskar revealed his India playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 after the squad was announced by the selectors. He picked Samson in his team while choosing Abhishek and Gill as openers. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were part of the pace unit, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were picked as spinners.

Sunil Gavaskar’s playing XI for Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav is the captain of India for Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Blue are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and UAE. They will play their first match against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai.

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