India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has thrown up one major talking point—Sanju Samson’s role in the playing XI after Shubman Gill was handed the vice-captaincy and the opening spot. While Gill partners Abhishek Sharma at the top, questions lingered over whether Samson would fit in.
Gavaskar Trusts Samson to Deliver Anywhere
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar brushed aside doubts about Samson’s position, insisting the wicketkeeper-batter is too talented to be left out. Speaking to Sports Today, Gavaskar said Samson can adapt to batting in the middle order.
“He can easily bat at No. 5 or 6. Sanju is very gifted, and he has the ability to adjust. He shouldn’t be left out just because Gill opens. After all, he’s the wicketkeeper too,” Gavaskar remarked.
Gavaskar’s Preferred XI
Outlining his first-choice lineup, Gavaskar backed Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers, followed by Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav at three and four. The middle order, he suggested, could be flexible with Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, and even Axar Patel playing finishing roles depending on the match situation.
“The batting order will depend on pitch, opposition, and match requirements. But the core remains clear—Samson gives India both class and adaptability,” Gavaskar added.
A Balanced Bowling Attack
On the bowling front, Gavaskar named Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as the new-ball pair, supported by Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya as all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy form the spin duo, rounding out what he described as a balanced attack.
He admitted it would be tough for the likes of Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma to break into the XI, but stressed that India’s squad depth gives them strong options.
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