Shastri Backs Samson as Opener, Foresees Gill Battling for Spot in Asia Cup T20

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the team management to let Sanju Samson play as an opener in the upcoming Asia Cup T20, while fielding vice-captain Shubman Gill at a different batting position. The Asia Cup T20 will kick off on September 9, with India set to begin their campaign against hosts UAE in Dubai on September 10.

Sanju Samson has been in impressive form as an opener since taking over the role in 2024, amassing 861 runs in 41 T20Is. The Indian wicketkeeper has scored three T20I hundreds in just 12 innings, maintaining a strike rate of 152.38. However, his performance drops significantly when batting in other positions, with a highest score of only 29 in nine innings.

Meanwhile, Indian selectors have confirmed the return of Test skipper Shubman Gill to T20Is after more than a year, raising questions about whether he will resume his preferred role alongside Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order.

"He [Samson] is most dangerous in the top three. That's where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It [replacing Samson for Gill] won't be that easy. Samson has a strong record for India at the top in T20s. Even Gill will find it tough to displace him. Gill may come in for someone else, but Samson should be left alone as opener," Shastri, who coached India from 2017 to 2021, said during a media interaction recently. "Samson should continue playing the way he has for India in T20s. He has been consistent at the top with big runs and hundreds," Shastri added.

Shastri, speaking on the bowling department, said he believes spin will play a crucial role in the upcoming tournament. "Given the conditions in Dubai and the heat, spin will definitely be the flavour of the month. Teams like Afghanistan might even play four spinners. Whether it's two or three, it depends on balance, but spinners will certainly be in big demand in Dubai. You need both finger spin and wrist spin. India has that luxury, and they'll all come into play depending on conditions," the former spin-bowling all-rounder said.