Indian wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samsonwas seen giving wicket-keeping drills to Jitesh Sharma, an indication that the RCB wicket-keeper will probably don the gloves for the Indian team in the Asia Cup, while doubts remained to be posed on Sanju Samson’s spot in the XI.
India has been under scrutiny ever since it announced the Indian team for the Asia Cup, while some new additions have looked impressive as well. Jitesh Sharma was among the most non-controversial picks, since the batter had won hearts with his performance for RCB in the IPL.
Ahead of the tournament, India began their practice session at the ICC Academy on Friday, and as per RevSportz reporter Rohit Juglan’s reports, Suryakumar Yadav has been actively involved in leading his players during the huddles and fitness drills.
Jitesh Sharma is likely to be India’s wicket-keeper in the Asia Cup 2025
India’s first practice session at Dubai saw glimpses of Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson giving some wicket-keeping practice to Jitesh Sharma. There has been a huge debate over who should be seen in the wicket-keeping role for India.
Sanju is an opening batsman and has played very well for India, alongside taking up wicket-keeping roles; however, his spot has been thrown into uncertainty with the return of the Indian Test skipper.
Jitesh Sharma taking up an active role as the glovesman for India might have two possibilities: either Samson will be dropped from the playing XI, or else he will take up a new role on the field alongside his new probable batting position swap.
Sanju Samson’s batting position continues to pose a major concern
Sanju Samson has been opening for India in the shortest format of the game. The batter took over the role ever since the T20 World Cup 2024, as Rohit Sharma announced his retirement, leaving a vacant spot at the top of the order.
Though initially paired alongside many, he found his flawless form when he was paired alongside Abhishek Sharma, who has fixed his spot in the Indian T20I side. Samson could not deliver initially, but with coach Gambhir’s backing, he scored 3 hundreds in a T20 international in a single calendar year in 2024.
However, Shubman Gill’s return to the Indian squad probably snatches the opening spot from Sanju Samson, and he might be demoted down the order to no. 3, where he would face tough competition in the form of Tilak Varma or further down at no. 5.
Sanju Samson looks unstoppable at the ongoing Kerala Cricket League
Currently, the Rajasthan Royals skipper has been speculated to leave the franchise ahead of the next IPL season after disagreeing with the management. He is currently featured in the Kerala Cricket League.
Playing in the KCL, Sanju has been an absolute monster of a cricketer. As he played 6 games in the KCL 2025, he amassed 368 runs at an average of nearly 74. He scored a huge hundred and three more half-centuries to add to his pile. His form looks undeniable to provide him with a team India spot.