Ravi Shastri Backs Sanju Samson as Opener for Asia Cup 2025
The buzz around the Asia Cup 2025 is heating up, and one name that has found itself at the centre of all conversations is Sanju Samson. Ever since India announced their squad, fans and experts have been debating who should open the batting order. With Shubman Gill returning to the T20 side as vice-captain, the question being asked is whether Samson will have to make way.
Gill comes into this tournament on the back of a stellar Test series against England, where he scored over 750 runs as captain. His consistency in the longer format has underlined his leadership potential, and his T20 credentials with Gujarat Titans make him an obvious choice at the top. Pairing him with Abhishek Sharma could give India a stable and aggressive start. But here’s the twist—Sanju Samson has been in outstanding touch as an opener, and his recent numbers make it nearly impossible to ignore him.
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Since being given a consistent run after the last T20 World Cup, Samson has smashed three centuries while opening the innings. He has averaged close to 35 and struck at an astonishing rate of 182.89. These stats show why Ravi Shastri, the former head coach, has strongly spoken in his favor. Shastri explained it in simple terms: “Samson is at his most dangerous when he opens. If he fires, he wins you matches on his own.” That kind of endorsement carries weight, especially coming from someone who has seen Indian cricket evolve from close quarters.
The dilemma for the selectors and team management is clear. Gill’s presence in the squad signals that the future leadership group is already being groomed. His spot seems almost guaranteed. But dropping Samson, who has shown match-winning ability in recent months, would be a bold and possibly divisive move. To make things even more complicated, Jitesh Sharma is already being slotted into the middle order as wicketkeeping cover, which means Samson’s best chance to feature is as an opener.
Adding to the intrigue, reports from India’s practice sessions in Dubai have raised eyebrows. While players like Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma had extended batting sessions, Samson was mostly on the sidelines, only having a short hit before quietly sitting out. It has fueled speculation that he may not start in the playing XI against UAE in India’s opening game on September 10.
So the big question remains: will the team stick with Samson at the top, backing his explosive form, or will Gill’s vice-captaincy status tilt the balance in his favor? One thing is certain—the decision will not just shape India’s opening pair, but could also impact the team’s momentum through the tournament. And as always, in Indian cricket, these selection debates only add to the excitement leading up to the Asia Cup.
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