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Sanju Samson Not To Play India's 1st Asia Cup Match? Ex-KKR Batter Gives His Verdict

Debashis Sarangi

Sanju Samson in action [Source: AFP]Sanju Samson in action [Source: AFP]

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra reckons swashbuckling opener Sanju Samson might unfortunately miss out on selection in India's first-choice playing XI in the upcoming Asia Cup. Chopra believes that although Samson has been magnificent as a T20I batter of late, several valid reasons might force India to leave him out of their combination. 

Chopra Analyses Why Samson Might Not Play India's 1st Asia Cup Affair

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will take on the United Arab Emirates in their Asia Cup 2025 opener at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The BCCI selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, recently unveiled India's squad for the tournament, with Sanju Samson finding a place as a wicketkeeper-batter alongside Jitesh Sharma, who had a fantastic IPL season with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Meanwhile, although Sanju Samson has amassed 487 runs, including three centuries, in his last 17 T20I innings, reputed commentator and analyst Aakash Chopra believes the Kerala batter might struggle to break into India's first-choice Asia Cup XI. 

Speaking to CREX, Chopra stated that Abhishek Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill will likely open, while Jitesh Sharma is the frontrunner to play as the wicketkeeper. He revealed that Samson's vulnerability against the short ball and Ajit Agarkar's recent statement regarding his spot in the team could be the indicators why India might drop the experienced batter from their playing XI. 

"Sanju Samson's destiny has been decided; he's not going to play the 1st match of the Asia Cup. Abhishek and Shubman Gill will open, while Jitesh Sharma will come in the middle order. This will happen probably because, Ajit Agarkar, in the press conference, clearly stated that Samson opened as Yashasvi and Shubman were not there. He doesn't bat in the middle order either and got out repeatedly against the short ball in the England series. Although it seems unfair, it looks like there won't be a place for him in the lineup (quotes have been translated from hindi)," Chopra said. 

In a T20I career spanning 42 matches, Samson has struck 861 runs at an average of 25.32 and a strike rate of 152.39. While his overall career stats highlight his inconsistency, Samson's fearless stroke-play makes him a genuine match-winner in the format. However, as Chopra said, he might unfortunately be made to sit out, with India having the problem of plenty at their top order.