Ravi Shastri Backs Sanju Samson (Source: @MeenaRamkishan0/x.com)
As the Asia Cup 2025 is just one sleep away, fans can’t wait to watch the action live. Team India is all set to start their journey on September 10, and Suryakumar Yadav and Co. are set to face the upcoming challenges.
With selectors announcing a star-studded squad, reports suggest Samson could be benched in favor of the Gill-Abhishek opening pair. But ahead of stepping into the tournament, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri reminded India of Samson’s abilities.
Ravi Shastri Reflects On Samson’s Fire-Power
After making his debut last year, Abhishek Sharma has become a familiar face in Team India’s T20I setup. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the management handed Shubman Gill the vice-captaincy under Suryakumar Yadav, signaling their trust in the Gill-Abhishek opening pair. If this plan proceeds, Sanju Samson may miss out on the opening role.
But Sanju Samson has been terrific as a T20I opener. Last year, he smashed the second-fastest T20I century as an Indian batter. In a chat with The Hindu, former India coach Ravi Shastri threw his weight behind Samson, highlighting his stats as an opener.
“Samson is at his most dangerous at the top. That is where he can win you matches. If he fires in any of the innings, he wins you matches. He is best left alone at the top. When you look at Samson’s record for India in T20Is at the top of the order, even someone like Shubman will be challenged. He may come in for someone else, but I think Samson should be left alone. He is dangerous. He is lethal. He is a match-winner,” Shastri said.
Shastri Sees A Bright All-Format Future For Shubman Gill
After taking the reins from Rohit Sharma in the longer format, Shubman Gill shone with his heroics on English soil. Now, just before the Asia Cup, he has been named India’s T20I vice-captain, a move that hints at his rise as an all-format leader. Reflecting on this, Ravi Shastri backed Gill for a bright future.
“If a player can ensure he is in the XI and become a vital cog in all formats, then by all means. If someone is good enough, there is nothing that stops one man from leading in all formats,” he added.
As the Asia Cup is rising curtains on September 9, Team India will face the UAE in their first match of the tournament. With an outstanding squad, the Men in Blue will be eager to script another chapter of glory.
