Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on Sanju Samson’s place in India XI

The India National Cricket Team is all set to face the UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener on Wednesday, September 10, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. There is a lot of debate over Sanju Samson’s position in the India XI, but the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, refused to give any hint.

With the competition for the wicketkeeper-batter spot heating up between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav maintained the suspense over the Indian think tank’s call at the captains’ meet on September 9 ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Suryakumar Yadav keeps fans guessing on Sanju Samson's role ahead of Asia Cup 2025

In a playful response, Suryakumar avoided giving a direct answer when asked about Sanju Samson’s chances of making it into India’s playing XI against the UAE. The Indian skipper was at his entertaining best, as he used humor and kept the matter light while addressing the question.

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The stylish batter has jokingly told the journalist that he will message him the playing XI personally before assuring him that the right decision will be made at the right time. Suryakumar also insisted that they are taking good care of Samson, but didn’t hint at anything about his stand.

Suryakumar Yadav said at the press conference in Dubai, “Sir, aapko main playing XI message karta hoon (I shall message you the playing XI). But yes, we are taking good care of him. Don't worry, we will make the right decision tomorrow.”

Sanju Samson’s best phase faces a new test

Sanju Samson’s career has hit its best phase since Gautam Gambhir took over as India’s head coach. Since last year, the 30-year-old batter has made headlines by scoring three T20I centuries and building a fierce opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma.

Their aggressive starts gave India the momentum it needed at the top of the order, and Samson looked like he had finally settled into a regular role after years of inconsistent chances. But the comeback of Shubman Gill has put his spot in the playing XI in jeopardy.

The Indian team management seems to be backing Gill as a long-term prospect at the top, especially with his leadership duties pointing toward bigger roles in the future. While Samson’s recent performances make him hard to ignore, the selectors now face a tough decision.

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Suryakumar Yadav confident despite a long break from T20Is before the Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the Indian cricket team hasn’t played much T20 cricket together since February, but the players were active in the IPL 2025 and domestic cricket. The Indian skipper revealed that the players have been putting in serious effort on the field, practicing hard and sharpening their skills ever since they arrived in the UAE.

He said that the Men in Blue are ready for the Asia Cup 2025, and it will be interesting to see how the young team will perform in the UAE after being away from the T20Is for months.

Suryakumar on lack of T20 action for the Indian players: “Yes, as a team, we played a T20I series in January and February. The boys also played the IPL. But yeah, we haven't played any cricket together since June. So, let's see what happens tomorrow.”