Ajinkya Rahane predicted India’s Asia Cup 2025 XI, backing Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers while leaving out Sanju Samson.
India named a 15-member squad for the Asia Cup on August 19, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain. Shubman Gill returned to the T20 setup after more than a year and replaced Axar Patel as vice-captain.
Ajinkya Rahane shared his thoughts on the possible playing XI. He expects Gill to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, which could push Sanju Samson out of contention. Rahane noted that Samson’s absence may open the door for Jitesh Sharma to feature as wicketkeeper-batter.
He then highlighted Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as the preferred new-ball pair, recalling their key role in last year’s T20 World Cup win.
“Shubman he’s back in the team, I’m sure he is most likely to open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has done really well. Very confident guy, very good team man. I feel that is a very important thing,” Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“Sanju is a great team man, but that’s a very good problem to have for the team management. In my opinion, probably Sanju Samson will sit out, though as I said, I would like him to play and be in the playing XI. But Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings for the team,” he continued.
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“I’m really excited to see Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh bowling together in this Asia Cup. We don’t want to talk too much about Jasprit Bumrah. We all know how dangerous he is. Arshdeep Singh, very confident guy, swings the ball both ways. He can bowl straight and wide yorkers as well,” Rahane added.
For spin options, Rahane suggested conditions in Dubai would dictate whether Varun Chakaravarthy or Harshit Rana takes the final spot in the XI. His predicted lineup includes Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, followed by Tilak Varma, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya.
Jitesh Sharma has been backed as wicketkeeper, with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav strengthening the lower order.
Ajinkya Rahane’s playing XI for 2025 Asia Cup
Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy/Harshit Rana.
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Last Updated on August 21, 2025
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