Sanju Samson retained his place in the 2025 Asia Cup squad. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been a regular in the playing XI after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
He played the home series against Bangladesh before touring South Africa. Samson also played the five-match T20I series against England at home. There was never a doubt over Samson’s place in the team and he is set to play the continental tournament. But as per a former India opener, Samson will not be part of the playing XI.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Samson’s destiny has been decided and he won’t be part of the playing XI in the Asia Cup.
“They have gone in the direction of a potential three-format captain. But one person’s selection, another’s destiny has also been written. Through Shubman Gill’s bat or Ajit Agarkar’s pen, Sanju Samson’s destiny has been decided. He (Samson) will not be playing in the XI. Now, you will see him sitting out because Tilak Varma will play at 3 and Hardik at 4 or 5. Because if they had opposing thoughts in their mind, then Shreyas Iyer would have been in the team,” Chopra told ESPNcricinfo, adding that Jitesh Sharma will be part of the playing XI.
Samson has excelled with the bat for India while doing the opening job. Shubman Gill is all but set to regain his opening position. He will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma.
Shubman’s return could see Samson losing his place in the playing XI. Jitesh performed well for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 and he could pip Samson for a place in the final XI.
Tilak Vama is set to bat at number 3 while Suryakumar wil come out at number 4. Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Rinku Singh will do the finishing job for the Men in Blue. India will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10.