Sanju Samson is likely to lose his opening spot to Shubman Gill in the Asia Cup 2025.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Samson could be slotted at No. 3 for the tournament. Earlier this year, Samson opened the innings for India in their T20I series against England.
However, with Shubman Gill returning to India’s T20I squad and being named vice-captain, his place in the playing XI is almost certain. As a recognized opening batter in white-ball cricket, Gill, alongside Abhishek Sharma—who has already cemented his spot at the top with his aggressive style—is expected to open for India. This development could push Samson out of the opening position.
Currently, Tilak Varma holds the No. 3 spot in India’s T20I lineup, and Samson has previously featured in the lower order. With finishers like Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma already established in the lower order, finding an ideal position for Samson in the batting lineup could be a tricky task for the team management.
Sunil Gavaskar Suggests India May Bat Sanju Samson at No. 3 in Asia Cup 2025
Cricket legend and commentator Sunil Gavaskar has indicated that Sanju Samson could get opportunities ahead of Jitesh Sharma in India’s initial games of the Asia Cup 2025. Both Samson and Jitesh are part of the squad as wicket-keepers.
“But my feeling is that Samson may probably get the nod over Jitesh for at least the first couple of matches. After that, it will depend on his form throughout the tournament. But this is what I think will happen,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
He also suggested that India might use Samson at No. 3, with Tilak Varma in the lower order.
“I think they might be considering Samson at number three and Tilak as a finisher at five or six. Hardik Pandya is also in the squad, so he’ll likely bat at five or six,” he added.
Gavaskar’s Predicted Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025
Last month, following the squad announcement, Sunil Gavaskar shared his ideal India XI for the tournament. He included Samson, with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill opening. The pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy complete the lineup.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Predicted XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Suryakumar Yadav will lead India as captain in the Asia Cup 2025. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, with their opening match against the UAE scheduled for September 10 in Dubai.