The big question ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 is simple: Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma? Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has given his verdict, and he’s crystal clear—Samson deserves a place in India’s starting XI.
The Asia Cup kicks off on September 9 in the UAE, and the wicketkeeper-batter slot has sparked plenty of debate. While Jitesh Sharma has been in red-hot touch in the IPL and domestic circuit, Gavaskar feels that Samson’s recent form and versatility make him too good to leave out.
Samson-Sharma Partnership Under Threat?
Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have been India’s go-to opening pair in T20Is. Abhishek is currently ranked No. 1 in ICC’s T20I batting charts, and Samson is one of just three Indian batters with three or more T20I hundreds. That’s a pretty strong case to keep him at the top.
But there’s a twist—Shubman Gill has been named India’s new T20I vice-captain. His return to the XI might shake up that opening combination, putting Samson’s spot under serious pressure.
Gavaskar’s Take: A “Good Headache” for Selectors
Speaking to PTI, Gavaskar said, “If you take somebody like Sanju Samson in the core team, then you can’t leave him out in the reserves.”
He admitted it’s a good problem for selectors to have, with both Samson and Jitesh pushing hard. Samson can slot in anywhere from No. 3 to No. 6, while Jitesh has proved himself as a reliable lower-order hitter in the IPL.
Still, Gavaskar believes Samson will get the nod in the starting XI, at least for the first few games. “My feeling is Samson will probably get the nod ahead of Jitesh for at least the first couple of matches. Then, depending on form, we’ll see how it goes.”
Samson’s Stunning Numbers
The numbers back Gavaskar’s point. Samson has piled up 522 runs in 17 T20I innings since the last World Cup, striking at a blistering 178.77 and notching up three centuries. That’s serious firepower at the top.
On the other hand, Gill’s form can’t be ignored either. He smashed 650 runs in IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans at a strike rate of 155.87, then carried that momentum into the England Test series with 754 runs, including four tons. With Gill guaranteed a place, the batting order looks crowded.
India Riding High Before Asia Cup
India head into the Asia Cup on the back of five consecutive T20I series wins since their World Cup triumph last year. They’ve won 17 of their last 20 matches and will open their campaign against hosts UAE on September 10 in Dubai. Placed in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, India are hot favorites to go deep once again.
So, who gets the gloves in the big tournament? Gavaskar’s pick is clear—Sanju Samson starts, Jitesh Sharma waits. But in cricket, form and fortune change quickly. This selection headache might just become one of India’s biggest strengths.
