Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expects the Indian team to give Sanju Samson chances in the Playing XI during the Asia Cup 2025. The uncertainty over Samson’s inclusion stems from Shubman Gill likely taking the opening spot.

Gavaskar believes selecting the batting order will be a challenge for the team management. He pointed out that both Samson and Jitesh Sharma are strong options, with Samson able to bat anywhere from three to six. Jitesh’s excellent performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 adds to the competition. Gavaskar feels that Samson, being part of the core team, cannot be left out as a reserve player. He also thinks Samson will be preferred over Jitesh for the first few matches, depending on form.

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“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,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by India Today.

“If you take somebody like Sanju Samson in the core team, then you can’t leave him out in the reserves. 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,” he added.

The Asia Cup 2025 will start on September 9 with eight teams competing.