Gavaskar Champions Samson's Inclusion in India's Asia Cup Squad Amidst Selection Dilemma

Legendary former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes Sanju Samson cannot be left out of India’s playing XI for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, beginning Tuesday, September 9.

Since Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, Samson has enjoyed an extended run at the top of the order. In 14 T20Is under Gambhir, the Kerala batter has scored over 400 runs, strengthening his claim for a permanent spot. However, with the return of Shubman Gill — named vice-captain of the side — Samson’s place has come under debate. Gill, who has been consistent in the IPL as an opener, is expected to reclaim his slot, which could push Samson out of the XI.

But Gavaskar believes that dropping Samson would be a mistake. He suggested that the management should consider utilising Samson’s versatility, either at No. 3 or lower down the order.

"If you take somebody like Sanju Samson in the core team, then you can't leave him out in the reserves," Gavaskar was quoted as saying by PTI ahead of the tournament.

"Yes, I think 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. And Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL, where he's played exceedingly well. So yes, I think it's a pleasant headache for the tour selection committee," he added.

Samson’s numbers back Gavaskar’s call. Across 134 innings at No. 3 in domestic and franchise cricket, the right-hander has scored 4,136 runs at an average of 35 and a strike-rate of 137, including 31 fifties and five centuries. Over the years, he has developed into a powerful hitter capable of clearing the ropes with ease, a trait that makes him valuable in both top-order and finisher roles.

Gavaskar further suggested that Samson could be entrusted with wicketkeeping duties over Jitesh Sharma, who impressed as a finisher during the last IPL season.

"But my feeling is that maybe Samson will probably get the nod ahead of Jitesh for at least the first couple of games. And then, depending on what his form is for the rest of the tournament. But this is what I think will happen," Gavaskar said.

The former India captain even floated a possible batting order that would allow Samson to slot in at No. 3, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma following, while Hardik Pandya provides the finishing punch.

"But that is why I think maybe they might even be thinking in terms of having him (Samson) at number three and having Tilak as a finisher at five or six. Because Hardik (Pandya) is in your team as well. So, Hardik will probably be batting at five or six again."

With India facing a packed schedule leading into the T20 World Cup next year, the Asia Cup will serve as a testing ground for combinations. For Samson, it may well be the defining stage to prove he belongs in India’s first-choice XI.