Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has strongly defended wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson’s place at the top of the batting order for the Asia Cup 2025, making it clear that he should not be replaced by Shubman Gill. With Gill returning as vice-captain, speculation has been rising about a potential shuffle in the opening pair, but Shastri insists Samson’s recent T20 record makes him undroppable.
Samson had a remarkable run last year in T20 internationals, finishing as India’s most consistent batter with 436 runs in just 12 innings. He averaged 43.60 and maintained a blistering strike rate of 180.16, including three centuries and a half-century. According to Shastri, those numbers make him too valuable to move down the order.
“He [Samson] is at his best in the top three. That’s where he wins you games. He should be allowed to continue in that position. Even with Gill’s comeback, it won’t be easy to push Samson aside. Gill can fit elsewhere in the lineup, but Samson should be left as an opener. He has delivered for India in T20s with consistency and match-winning knocks,” Shastri explained during a media interaction.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier clarified that Samson was promoted as an opener only when Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unavailable. Now, with Gill back in the squad and Jaiswal also in contention, the team management faces a tough call on balancing the top order. However, Shastri believes Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, who are part of the team’s leadership group, should resist making drastic changes.
Shastri also underlined the importance of spin-friendly conditions in Dubai, where India’s group stage matches will be played. “Given the conditions and heat, spin will be crucial. Afghanistan could even play four spinners. India has the luxury of both finger and wrist spinners, which gives flexibility in team balance. Expect spin to dominate this Asia Cup,” he said.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign begins on September 10 against UAE in Dubai, followed by a much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14, and their last group match against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The biggest question still remains — who should open with Abhishek Sharma: Sanju Samson or Shubman Gill? Ravi Shastri’s stance is clear, but the final call will rest with the team management.