The Asia Cup 2025 is fast approaching, and with it comes the perennial debate surrounding Sanju Samson’s place in the Indian T20I squad. Despite a promising run under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Samson’s inconsistent performances and struggles against top-tier opposition have cast doubts over his inclusion. As emerging stars like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Abhishek Sharma stake their claims, former India batter Deep Dasgupta has weighed in, suggesting that Samson might miss out on the tournament. With a crowded top order and fierce competition for spots, the wicketkeeper-batter’s future hangs in the balance. Let’s delve into the factors shaping this selection dilemma and explore whether Samson can secure a spot in India’s Asia Cup squad.
The IPL 2025 Setback
Samson’s case for the Asia Cup was further complicated by his injury-plagued IPL 2025 campaign. Missing half the season due to injury, Samson was unable to showcase his full potential, a stark contrast to his competitors who capitalized on the opportunity. Shubman Gill, in particular, shone brightly for the Gujarat Titans, scoring 650 runs in 15 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of 155.88. Gill’s consistency and ability to anchor innings have positioned him as a frontrunner for a top-order spot, potentially even as the T20I vice-captain.
Former India batter Deep Dasgupta believes Gill’s performances give him an edge over Samson. “Gill can play the role of Kohli, who can take the innings deep in high-pressure tournaments,” Dasgupta told Times of India. “He has IPL performances to back him. On slower pitches in the UAE, one must have that kind of player.” Gill’s ability to adapt to different situations and his proven track record in the IPL make him a strong candidate for the Asia Cup squad, especially in conditions where anchoring the innings could be crucial.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, another young contender, has also strengthened his case with consistent performances. While Jaiswal’s specific numbers from IPL 2025 are not detailed here, his aggressive batting style and ability to take on both pace and spin make him a valuable asset. Dasgupta emphasized the importance of having Jaiswal “in and around the squad,” suggesting that the team management sees him as a long-term investment for India’s T20 setup.
The Consistency Conundrum of Sanju Samson
While Samson’s numbers under Gambhir are impressive, his inconsistency remains a sticking point. Despite his three centuries, he has also recorded four ducks and four single-digit scores in his 16 T20I innings since July 2024. This boom-or-bust tendency is a concern for a team looking to build a reliable batting unit for a high-stakes tournament like the Asia Cup. His struggles against spin in Sri Lanka, where he was dismissed for two consecutive ducks on low and slow surfaces, further highlight his challenges in adapting to varying conditions.
In contrast, players like Abhishek Sharma have shown greater versatility. Abhishek, with 435 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 193.33, has demonstrated an ability to dominate both pacers and spinners. His aggressive approach as an opener makes him a game-changer, capable of “killing the game” when he gets going, as Dasgupta puts it. While Abhishek has also had his share of inconsistent performances, his ability to handle high-quality bowling gives him an edge over Samson in the eyes of some analysts.
The Wicketkeeping Factor
Samson’s role as a wicketkeeper-batter adds another layer of complexity to the selection debate. India’s T20I squad is packed with top-order batters, including Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Tilak Varma, all of whom are likely to occupy middle-order spots. This leaves limited room for a specialist wicketkeeper, especially if the team prioritizes a top-heavy batting lineup. Jitesh Sharma, another wicketkeeper-batter, could be preferred at No. 7, where his finishing skills and ability to handle pressure situations might outweigh Samson’s contributions.
Dasgupta suggests that the team management faces a tough choice between Samson and Jitesh for the middle-order wicketkeeping role. “The team management has to decide if Samson or Jitesh Sharma can serve in the middle-order,” he said. Jitesh’s ability to provide quick runs in the death overs could make him a better fit for the lower order, especially in a tournament where late-order contributions can be decisive.
The Top-Order Logjam
India’s top order is overcrowded, with Gill, Jaiswal, and Abhishek all vying for opening slots alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav. Tilak Varma, with 413 runs in nine innings at an average of 82.60, has also made a strong case for a middle-order role, further complicating Samson’s chances. Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities add depth to the lineup, reducing the need for a specialist batter at No. 7 if Jitesh is selected as the wicketkeeper.
This logjam at the top means Samson will have to outperform his competitors significantly to secure a spot. His struggles against elite fast bowlers and spin on challenging surfaces raise doubts about his suitability for the UAE conditions, where adaptability will be key. Dasgupta’s analysis points to a preference for players like Gill and Abhishek, who have shown greater consistency and versatility in recent performances.
The Road Ahead for Samson
Despite the challenges, Samson’s talent and potential cannot be discounted. His ability to score quick runs and his improved performances under Gambhir indicate that he remains a valuable asset. However, to cement his place in the Asia Cup squad, Samson will need to address his inconsistencies and prove his mettle against top-quality bowling attacks. The upcoming domestic season and any additional T20I opportunities before the Asia Cup will be critical for him to make a case.
The involvement of Rajasthan Royals’ owners in trade talks, as mentioned in the editor’s pick, suggests that Samson’s future at the franchise level could also influence his international prospects. A strong performance in the IPL or domestic tournaments could reignite his case, but he faces stiff competition from a talented pool of young batters.
Final Words
The debate over Sanju Samson’s inclusion in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad encapsulates the challenges of balancing talent with consistency in a highly competitive team. While Samson has shown flashes of brilliance, his struggles against top-tier opposition and inconsistent performances have put him behind Gill, Jaiswal, and Abhishek in the pecking order. The team management, led by Gambhir, faces a tough decision in crafting a balanced squad for the UAE conditions. Whether Samson can overcome these hurdles and secure a spot remains to be seen, but for now, the scales seem tipped in favor of his competitors.
As the Asia Cup approaches, all eyes will be on India’s selection strategy and whether Samson can defy the odds to earn his place. For a player of his caliber, the door is never fully closed, but the path to the squad is undoubtedly fraught with challenges.
