Asia Cup 2025: Gavaskar Backs Sanju Samson in XI Despite Gill Taking Opening Slot

India on Tuesday named their 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead the T20 side and Shubman Gill appointed vice-captain. While the core of the team mirrors recent series, the biggest debate remains over the final XI.

Speaking to Sports Today, Sunil Gavaskar laid out his preferred combination, notably backing both Gill and Sanju Samson in the lineup. The former India captain argued that Samson’s versatility made him an asset lower down the order.

“He can still be in the team batting at No. 5 or 6. After all, he’s the wicketkeeper. Sanju is a very gifted player; he can adapt. He’s used to batting down the order—we shouldn’t be worried. He’s a class act,” Gavaskar said.

For his batting order, Gavaskar picked Gill to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, followed by Tilak Varma at No. 3 and captain Suryakumar at No. 4. The middle order, he suggested, could be flexible with Hardik Pandya, Samson, and Axar Patel rotating depending on the match situation.

On the bowling front, Gavaskar kept it straightforward—Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as new-ball partners, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy as spinners, and all-rounders Axar and Hardik rounding off the attack.

“Dube, Jitesh, Harshit, and Rinku Singh—it’s tough for them, but that’s what it is,” Gavaskar added, suggesting they may have to wait for opportunities.