With the announcement of the 15-member Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2025, a new era seems to have dawned under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. But while the team’s composition is a testament to the future of Indian cricket, it has also sparked a debate around one of its most explosive talents: Sanju Samson. His consistent performances have made him an undisputed fan favorite and a serious contender for a spot in the playing XI. However, with the newly appointed vice-captain Shubman Gill expected to open the innings, Samson’s long-held position at the top of the order is suddenly in jeopardy. This has left fans and experts alike questioning how the team will accommodate a player of his caliber.
Where should Sanju Samson bat in the Asia Cup 2025? Sunil Gavaskar answers
Sunil Gavaskar, a true legend and a keen observer of the game, has weighed in with a definitive solution to this selection dilemma. He believes that the team would be making a grave mistake by leaving Sanju Samson out of the playing XI, especially given his recent blistering form. During a conversation on Sony Sports Network, Gavaskar acknowledged that it’s a “big headache” for the selectors to choose between multiple capable batters. Gavaskar’s primary suggestion is to utilize Samson’s versatility at the number three position. This role, he argues, would allow Samson to come in early and build a solid foundation, capitalizing on his ability to play a range of shots and anchor the innings.
‘It is a big headache for any selection committee that you have two capable batsmen and a player like Sanju Samson who can probably bat at number three,” Gavaskar said
Samson’s recent form, highlighted by his incredible 355 runs in four innings in the Kerala Cricket League (including a century and three half-centuries), proves that he is more than capable of handling the pressure and responsibilities of a top-order batter.
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>Gavaskar proposes a second and equally important role for Samson
In a show of strategic flexibility, Gavaskar also proposed a second, equally important role for Samson. He suggested that if the top order of Abhishek Sharma, Gill and others are firing, Samson could be a perfect finisher at number six. This position, which is crucial in modern T20 cricket, requires a player who can come in and immediately change the momentum of the game. With his powerful hitting and ability to clear the ropes at will, Samson fits this role perfectly.
“And if needed come down at six as a finisher. Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL. But my feeling is that Samson will probably get the nod Looking at the way he batted in this T20 format in the IPL, it was a no-brainer. He has been very successful in the T20 format for the IPL, so there is no question that he has the capability of doing well in T20. In the kind of form that he is in, where he has scored more than 750 runs in the just concluded Test series, that really augurs well even for the T20 tournament,” Gavaskar concluded
Gavaskar’s statement highlights the value of having a player who can adapt to different situations and provide the team with much-needed impetus in the final overs. This solution not only solves the selection headache but also adds a new, explosive dimension to India’s batting lineup. By keeping a player like Samson in the mix, India gains a versatile asset who can either rebuild an innings or take the attack to the opposition in the death overs. Gavaskar’s insight underscores that a player’s worth is not limited to one position, and Samson’s talent demands his inclusion in the team regardless of where he bats.
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