Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar feels wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could slot in at No. 3 or take on the role of a finisher in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the UAE. Samson has been in outstanding form as an opener in T20Is recently, averaging 37.90 with a strike rate of 183.70 across 12 matches, including three T20I centuries.
Despite his strong performances at the top, the presence of Test captain Shubman Gill raises questions about Samson’s spot in India’s playing XI for the tournament. Commenting on Samson’s potential role in the T20I squad, Gavaskar told Sony Sports Network (via Hindustan Times):
“It’s a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three, and if needed come down at six as a finisher. Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL. But my feeling is that Samson will probably get the nod.”
Gavaskar supported Gill’s selection, citing his outstanding performances in the 2025 IPL season and the recent Test series against England.
“Looking at the way he batted in this T20 format in the IPL, it was a no-brainer. He has been very successful in the T20 format for the IPL so there is no question that he has got the capability of doing well in T20. In the kind of form that he is in where he has scored more than 750 runs in the just concluded Test series, that really augurs well even for the T20 tournament,” he stated.
“I’d Be Surprised if India Don’t Win Comfortably”- Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar labeled Team India as the clear favorites for the Asia Cup, predicting they will win all their matches comfortably. The Men in Blue have been in sensational T20I form since their 2024 World Cup triumph in the West Indies and the USA, securing five consecutive T20I series and winning 17 of their last 20 matches.
“I really will be surprised if India don’t win their matches comfortably. All their matches, not just against Pakistan, but even against Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. If they don’t win comfortably, it will be a bit of a surprise. Because the Indian team really has, over the last couple of years, been a really superb team, in great touch and great form,” said Gavaskar.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.