The legendary former Indian cricket Sunil Gavascar believes that Sanju Samson cannot be omitted from the Indian XI playing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, starting Tuesday, September 9.
Since the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the head coach, Samson enjoyed an extended run at the top of the order. At 14 T20is below Gambhir, the dough of Kerala scored over 400 runs, strengthened his claim to a permanent place. However, with the return of SHUBMAN GILL – Named Vice-Capitan of the Party – Samson’s place ran. Gill, which was consistent in the IPL as an opener, will get its slot that could push Samson out of XI.
But Gavascar believes that the abandon of Samson would be a mistake. He suggested that the management consider the use of Samson’s versatility, either on No. 3 or lower after the order.
“If you take someone as Sanju Samson in the main team, Then you can’t leave it in reserves, ”Gavascar quoted as PTI in front of the tournament.
“Yes, I think it’s a very good headache that has two capable doughs and someone like Sanju Samson, who can even bat in three and descend at six as a finisher.
Samson’s numbers back Gavaskara’s call. On 134 shifts on No. 3 in the domestic and franchise cricket, the right -hander scored 4,136 runs on average 35 and a strike 137, of which 31 fifty and five centuries. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful Hitter capable of easily cleaning the ropes, a feature that makes it valuable in the role of the highest order and finisher.
Gavascar further suggested that Samson be entrusted with the duties of the goals over Jitesh Sharmou, who during the last season of the IPL as a finisher.
“But I feel that maybe Samson is likely to nod in front of Jitesh for at least the first few games. And then, depending on its form for the rest of the tournament. But that’s what I think happens,” Gavascar said.
Former Captain India even hovered a possible order of bats, which would allow Samson to insert at 3, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma followed, while Hardik Pandya provides a finishing blow.
“But that’s why I think they might even think they have (Samson) to be three and have a Tilak as a finisher at five or six. Because Hardik (Pandya) is also on your team.
Given that India is facing a wrapped schedule leading to the T20 World Championship, the Asia Cup will serve as a test ground for combinations. For Samson, this may be a determining phase that proves that it belongs to the Indian first selection of XI.
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Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
September 5, 2025
Tune
