 "'You don’t take Samson as a reserve': Sunil Gavaskar gives his verdict on India’s playing XI for Asia Cup")
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on India’s likely playing XI for the 2025 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. One of the main highlights from Gavaskar’s comments is that he has backed wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to be part of the team.
With Shubman Gill returning as vice-captain and expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson’s place in the playing XI has come under doubt. There are rumours suggesting that the Indian team management may drop Samson from the playing XI for the Asia Cup to accommodate Gill at the top.
Samson had been opening the batting for India in T20Is alongside Abhishek since the retirement of former skipper Rohit Sharma following the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. However, Gill’s return to the side after his recent heroics in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England has put a question mark on Samson’s place.
Gavaskar backs Samson to start for India
Meanwhile, former India opener Sunil Gavaskar believes that Samson can still be slotted into the playing XI despite Gill’s return. Gavaskar told journalists that Samson is a key player and shouldn’t be sitting on the bench in the 2025 Asia Cup. He suggested that the team management should play Samson at No. 3 or lower as a finisher, just to make sure he stays in the starting XI.
“You don’t take someone like Sanju Samson as a reserve. If he’s part of your core team, he should be playing. He can slot in at No.3, or if needed, lower down as a finisher,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar also said that Samson should be preferred over wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, at least for the opening matches of the tournament. He added that if Samson doesn’t perform in the first few games, the team management can consider leaving him out later. Gavaskar also said that Tilak Varma, who batted at No. 3 for most of last year, can be pushed down the order at five or six.
“My sense is that Samson will get the nod ahead of Jitesh, at least for the first couple of matches. What happens after that will depend on form. Tilak might be asked to bat at five or six. Hardik will be in that zone too. That creates an opening at No.3 for Samson,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar expects India to go with six bowlers
Meanwhile, Gavaskar advised India to go with six bowlers, including three pacers, two spinners, and Hardik Pandya as a fifth bowling option. He named Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel as his preferred spin duo.
“Axar brings that left-handed option and four overs with the ball. With that in mind, someone like Rinku or Dube might have to wait for their chance. You’re not going to stretch your batting to No.8 in T20s. You want variety in bowling. If one bowler has a bad day, you need someone else who can step in,” he said.
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