New Delhi: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns over right-handed batter Sanju Samson’s place in the playing XI following the selection of Shubman Gill for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
Team India for the tournament, set to begin next month, was announced on Tuesday. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav will lead the squad with Shubman Gill as his deputy. Several big names were notably absent. The announcement came during a press conference attended by T20I captain Suryakumar and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, following a selection meeting that also included BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said, “What makes me even more concerned is that Gill has been named vice-captain, which puts Sanju Samson’s place in a bit of danger. The situation is almost sealed. If you play Gill at three, Sanju could open, but even that seems unlikely.”
Samson has thrived as an opener for India, scoring 908 runs in 30 T20 innings since the last T20 World Cup, averaging 33.62 with a strike rate of 157.09, including three centuries and three fifties.
Backup wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has also been named in the squad. He impressed recently as an opener for RCB, scoring a blistering 85* off 33 balls with eight boundaries and six sixes against Lucknow Super Giants, helping RCB chase down 228—the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history. His unbeaten 107-run partnership with Mayank Agarwal sealed RCB’s six-wicket win.
Ashwin praised Sharma, saying, “I am very happy for Jitesh Sharma. He has earned his position with crucial performances. Finishing a match is never easy—you need timing, calculation, and composure. Jitesh has shown all that in a tough position, and I am delighted for him.”
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, with the high-voltage clash against Pakistan scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. The final group-stage match against Oman will be played on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4 stage, running from September 20 to 26. If India finishes first in Group A, all Super 4 matches will be held in Dubai; finishing second will see one match in Abu Dhabi and the rest in Dubai. The final is set for September 28 in Dubai.
