'We are taking really good care of him': Suryakumar Yadav drops massive hint on Sanju Samson as playing XI debate continues

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has promised to take care of Sanju Samson as the debate over India’s Playing XI continues ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. India will start their campaign against the hosts UAE on Wednesday, September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Ahead of the tournament opener, the captains of all eight participating teams took part in a press conference in Dubai. Suryakumar Yadav was asked about Sanju Samson’s place in the playing XI and whether he will feature in the starting lineup. SKY playfully replied to the reporter, “Sir, I will message you the Playing XI.”

“We are actually taking really good care of him [Samson]. And don’t worry. We will make the right decision tomorrow,” Suryakumar added.

SKY on facing UAE in Asia Cup opener

It’s still unclear who will keep wickets for India in their opening game against the UAE. Samson has done it over the last year, but Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion has made the choice tricky. Shubman Gill, who has been made the team’s vice-captain, is likely to start as an opener with Abhishek Sharma. This leaves a huge question mark on Samson’s place in the playing XI.

If Samson is included in the lineup, he will likely bat down the order, where he will face competition from players like Jitesh Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh for a spot. However, the Indian team management has hinted in the past that they are willing to give Samson a longer run, and he might feature in the Asia Cup opener.

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The UAE are coming off a tri-series with Pakistan and Afghanistan. Even though they didn’t win a match, they showed some good cricket throughout. When asked about their first opponent, Suryakumar said, “They have been playing a very exciting brand of cricket. They recently played a series and came very close to all the teams. It’s still a stepping-stone, and I am sure, I hope, and I wish them all the best as they cross the line in the Asia Cup. We are very excited to play them.”