Abhishek Sharma to be crucified in Asia Cup 2025 to satisfy Gautam Gambhir's ego

India is all set to begin the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 with a new and exciting opening pair. Shubman Gill, who has returned to the T20I side as the vice-captain, is likely to join Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order in the upcoming continental tournament.

Shubman Gill made a comeback to the side on the back of strong performances in the IPL 2025 and a successful England tour. Apart from being the vice-captain, Gill’s calm and steady batting style makes him a reliable choice to give the Men in Blue solid starts in the Asia Cup 2025.

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma likely to open for India at the Asia Cup 2025

On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the format, thanks to his fearless hitting and aggressive approach. The left-handed batter has already impressed against England and now holds the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings.

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Both Punjab lads give India a left-right combination that could trouble any bowling attack. And this combination has already been approved by the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, leaving Sanju Samson, who is also part of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, uncertain in the playing XI.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has been impressive as an opener for the past year, but with Gill’s return, Sanju is more likely to play in the middle order or serve as a backup opener and wicketkeeper in the upcoming tournament, starting on September 9 in the UAE.

Suryakumar Yadav favors Sanju Samson, but Gautam Gambhir pushes for Abhishek Sharma

A Revsportz journalist Rohit Juglan claimed on his YouTube channel that a storm is brewing inside the Indian camp over Sanju Samson’s place in the playing XI. According to sensational claims by the journalist, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been backing Samson for a long time.

Sanju and Suryakumar’s bond grew during their Anantapur visit. The Indian skipper, who was doing his rehab in Anantapur, promised Sanju that he would be given a long run in the team. Since then, Samson has been receiving opportunities in every T20I series.

But now the dynamics have changed. With Gill coming in as vice-captain, his spot is fixed. Yashasvi Jaiswal was already in contention, but between him and Gill, the latter was preferred, thanks to Gautam Gambhir. That left a direct fight between Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the opening slot.

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Abhishek Sharma confirmed as India opener for Asia Cup 2025

As expected, and claimed by the journalist, the Indian selectors and Gambhir backed Abhishek despite Suryakumar’s interest in giving Samson more chances at the top of the order. It is being said that Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar are not on the same page.

Abhishek’s selection over Sanju is reportedly about showing control, as the latter might end up being a “sacrificial pawn” in this power battle. Now, it remains to be seen who will open for India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, where they will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10.