Sanju Samson vs Shubman Gill- Ravichandran Ashwin picks his side for India Playing XI at Asia Cup 2025

Ahead of India's first game in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Sanju Samson's spot in the playing eleven has become a major talking point. With the selectors picking Jitesh Sharma in the squad too, speculations are rife that the wicketkeeper-batsman could get the nod ahead of Sanju Samson after his heroics in this year's IPL.

Another reason could be Shubman Gill's selection. The right-handed batsman has not only been recalled to the T20I setup but has also been named the vice-captain. Gill has not played a T20I since July last year but is likely to be a part of the playing eleven for the upcoming game.

While Gill was struggling to get into the Indian team, Sanju opened the innings alongside Jitesh Sharma. The Kerala star did well, too, although consistency continues to be a big issue for him.

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Ravichandran Ashwin snubs Sanju Samson:

While only time will tell if Sanju Samson plays the first game against the UAE or not, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the wicketkeeper-batsman is likely to warm the bench.

Ashwin has backed Gill to open the innings with Sharma while stating that the vice-captain and Samson are unlikely to feature together in the playing eleven.

The Indian great further explained that since Samson has not played as a wicketkeeper-finisher in the Indian team, he is unlikely to get a place in the middle-order.

Jitesh Sharma given preference

Ashwin said that the team management should pick Jitesh ahead of Samson and slot him at No. 5, behind the quarter of Abhishek Sharma, Gill, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma.

"The rest of the 10 are a lock; this is the only debatable spot. Will Sanju Samson have a spot in the middle order? No chance in my opinion. You can figure this out by looking at the nets, just like how looking at a house can help figure out a country.

"Shubman Gill will definitely play, while Sanju Samson will only be knocking (practice). Because he didn’t even bat in the nets. It’s sad that he won’t be starting in the Asia Cup," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: Shubman Gill humiliated in India Nets

UAE and India lock horns in Asia Cup 2025 opener

Team India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on Wednesday (September 10) when they face the UAE in Dubai. India are the defending champions and will be eager to begin their title-defence with a win.

After the game against the UAE, the Men in Blue will face Pakistan and Oman in Group A. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the Super 4s.