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"Can't Make A...": Deep Dasgupta Picks Shubman Gill Ahead of Sanju Samson For Asia Cup

Arnav Chopra

Sanju Samson (Source: @BCCI/X.com)Sanju Samson (Source: @BCCI/X.com)

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has given his opinion on India’s Asia Cup 2025 selection debate. The former wicket-keeper batter believes that Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma are the right combination to begin.

Deep DasGupta Backs Shubman Gill To Occupy Top Spot

It has turned out to be a contrasting debate in the Indian cricketing circles ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, where the three are vying for two spots, namely Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson. Now, the former Indian cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, has given his verdict on this matter.

Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, Dasgupta opined that Shubman Gill is the vice-captain of the side and hence should get the nod alongside Abhishek, as the duo will make an ideal left-right opening combination, making it difficult for the bowling team.

He further emphasised the fact that Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are the right choice for the right three and four positions. Furthermore, he believes India has played with a settled combination for the past few games, which should continue.

"For me, I would say now that Shubman is the vice-captain, he definitely plays along. So that we have a left-right combination. At 3-4, I can't look beyond Surya and Tilak at this point. Again, left-hand, right-hand combination. I think in this format, if you have that option, you've got to look at keeping that going as long as possible through an innings," Dasgupta said on RevSportz.

Jitesh Better Option Than Samson In The Middle Order, Believes DasGupta

Additionally, Dasgupta was clear on the fact that India should not tinker with their five, six, and seven, as Jitesh Sharma has regularly been a part of the side, after mustering plenty of runs down the order, even when he has faced limited deliveries, and that is why Dasgupta prefers him over Sanju, considering him the better lower-order hitter.

"If you can't make a place for Sanju in the top 3, then it becomes a little difficult. So, if it comes down to 5-6-7, I think I'm going to pick Jitesh over Sanju. He is a better option than Sanju," he continued.

Deep also gave his opinion on the fact that India needs a player like Virat Kohli, where he feels the current vice-captain, Shubman Gill, can fill the boots of the former Indian T20I legend, who was once in his prime and would anchor the innings, taking India's score to a decent total even on challenging pitches.

He also focused on the fact that India have plenty of big hitters in the side, but they need a middle-order anchor who can get through the innings even on tough pitches.

"You need one guy like Virat, who can play in different situations in different conditions, not necessarily always 200. While you have a Suryakumar Yadav, a Tilak Varma, a Yashasvi Jaiswal, an Abhishek Sharma, you also need one guy to keep it all together from one. I think there are a couple of names, one is Shubman, another is Shreyas Iyer. If they go with Shubman, it is fine, and I think he will do that job really well," he concluded.

As for the Asia Cup, India are all set to face the UAE (United Arab Emirates) in their opening encounter in Dubai on 10th September, whereas Afghanistan and Hong Kong will kick off the Asia Cup on the 9th of September in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, India's biggest challenge will come against Pakistan on Sunday, the 14th of September, in the sixth match in Dubai.