New Delhi: Sanju Samson’s international career is once again in news ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. After seemingly settling well as the backup opening batter for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20Is, Samson now faces more challenges about his place.
The emergence of Shubman Gill has put his position in jeopardy.
Still, there’s a sigh of relief for Samson’s supporters, as the ecent photos and videos from India’s Asia Cup training camp at the ICC Academy in Dubai show Samson spending time with coach Gautam Gambhir. On the eve of the tournament, the two appear to be building a strong connection.
Gambhir was seen having a conversation with Samson
On social media platform X, posts showed Gambhir sharing a broad smile while having a conversation with Samson ahead of the eight-team tournament, a rare sight, given the coach’s usually serious nature. He was also spotted walking alongside the wicketkeeper-batter after training, engaged in discussion, a moment that many fans viewed as a sign of confidence in Samson continuing as India’s T20I opener.
Rajasthan Royals skipper Samson was also spotted walking alongside Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to lead India’s bowling attack, highlighting the bond he has developed with other senior players in an otherwise new squad.
Samson had built a solid opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma, but his recent injuries, kept him out for most of the IPL, which may prompted the management to consider Gill as an alternative. With Gill now part of the T20I squad and appointed vice-captain, he might play all the matches and step in for Suryakumar Yadav, with the long-term future in mind.
Samson might play in a different role
However, this has sparked speculation that Samson may not be completely ignored but could instead be used in a different role. His wicketkeeping skills add major value to a squad missing Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, making him a vital option. As a result, Samson might be shifted into the lower order, possibly as a finisher, ahead of someone like Jitesh Sharma, who has more experience in that position as a backup wicketkeeper.
Samson also featured in warm-up matches in Kerala, where he batted lower in the order, suggesting he might have already been signaled about a potential shift in role. Whether Gautam Gambhir will indeed use him that way will become clear in India’s opening match against host nation UAE, but given Samson’s talent, adapting to a middle or lower-order role shouldn’t be too challenging for him.
Story Highlight
- Sanju Samson now faces more challenges about his place. The emergence of Shubman Gill has put his position in jeopardy.
- On social media platform X, posts showed Gambhir sharing a broad smile while having a conversation with Samson ahead Asia Cup 2025
- Rajasthan Royals skipper Samson was also spotted walking alongside Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to lead India’s bowling attack.
- Sanju Samson may not be completely ignored but could instead be used in a different role.