 "Asia Cup 2025: Kaif, Pathan, Chopra share predictions for India's playing XI; Samson or Jitesh as keeper?")
The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner and the big question on everyone’s mind is what will be India’s playing XI for the T20 competition. With Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as captain and Shubman Gill as his deputy, experts are already debating who should take the key positions.
Samson at No. 3?
Gill is expected to open the innings alongside youngster Abhishek Sharma, but the real discussion is about the No. 3 spot. Former India all-rounder Mohammad Kaif believes Sanju Samson is the best choice for that position and should play ahead of Tilak Varma. He said that Samson deserves a proper run before the T20 World Cup 2026, given the kind of experience he has.
“Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill will open in the Asia Cup. For the No. 3 spot, I feel Tilak Varma is a youngster and can wait for his turn. Sanju is an experienced batter, and he could be groomed by giving him consistent opportunities at No.3. There is a World Cup after six months, and he deserves a chance,” Kaif said.
Jitesh vs Samson?
Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has thrown his weight behind wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. Chopra feels that Jitesh has done enough to be in the XI thanks to his big-hitting skills and recent form in the IPL, where he helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their maiden title.
“I feel Jitesh Sharma will play in the eleven in the Asia Cup. We shouldn’t think too much about positions first to third because he won’t get a chance there. However, his numbers at numbers four to seven have become a lot better,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“He has a strike rate of 166 and an average of 28. He is the first batter whose strike rate is above 150. So when the pecking order is prepared, he will go right at the top. Jitesh Sharma’s numbers have looked the best amongst everyone else. He is shining bright and seems to be at number one. I really hope he has a good Asia Cup,” he added.
Irfan on bowling attack
Meanwhile, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan picked his bowling combination for the Asia Cup, saying he would go with Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and use part-timer Abhishek Sharma depending on the conditions. Irfan said that Kuldeep Yadav could also come in if the conditions are suited for spin bowling.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“According to me, Jasprit Bumrah is definitely in. Varun Chakravarthy too, because his record is outstanding. These two will be your frontline bowlers. Then you have all-rounders in Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. That makes it four bowlers already. After that, you have the option of Arshdeep, who is a white-ball specialist. Kuldeep is also an option. If you need someone at No. 8, then Shivam Dube is there. It will depend on the conditions. In my view, the combination would be Bumrah, Varun, Arshdeep, the two all-rounders, and Abhishek Sharma,” Irfan told reporters.
 "Xi-Putin discuss immortality, Trump boasts about groping women… Scandalous hot-mic moments in history")
 "Breakthrough in Manipur: Suspension of Operations pact signed amid PM Modi tour speculation")
 "From Harvard funding to tariffs: How Trump’s big orders are failing the test in US courts")
 "How safe Americans are from diseases will depend on how they vote")
 "Xi-Putin discuss immortality, Trump boasts about groping women… Scandalous hot-mic moments in history")
 "Breakthrough in Manipur: Suspension of Operations pact signed amid PM Modi tour speculation")
 "From Harvard funding to tariffs: How Trump’s big orders are failing the test in US courts")
 "How safe Americans are from diseases will depend on how they vote")
