Asia Cup 2025: Sanju Samson is out, Varun Chakraborty is also in danger, and Ajinkya Rahane selected an amazing Playing XI

Sports News:  Team India's senior player Ajinkya Rahane released his best playing eleven on social media before the 2025 Asia Cup. Ajinkya Rahane told in a YouTube video with which 11 players Team India can enter the Asia Cup. Rahane said that the place of two such players is in danger, which are really shocking names for the fans.

The first name is Sanju Samson, and the second player is Varun Chakraborty. Ajinkya Rahane believes that with the arrival of Shubman Gill, it is now difficult for Samson to play, while only one of Varun Chakraborty or Harshit Rana will play.

Rahane's Playing XI for Asia Cup

Rahane has selected Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers in his playing XI. For number 3, he has included Tilak Verma, who is the world's number 2 T20 batsman. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was given place at number 4 and former vice-captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya at number 5. At number 6, Rahane chose comeback man Jitesh Sharma as a wicketkeeping option. Jitesh performed well as a finisher in IPL 2025, so he preferred this player over Sanju. Rahane included another all-rounder, Axar Patel, at number 7. Axar was recently seen captaining Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.

Rahane Picks Bumrah, Arshdeep Combo

In bowling, Rahane included Jaspreet Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as his favorite fast bowlers. He said, 'I would like to see Jaspreet Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh bowling together in this Asia Cup.' The interesting thing in Rahane's playing eleven is that he has included Kuldeep Yadav, and according to him, only one player from Varun Chakraborty or Harshit Rana will play.

Rahane's India playing XI

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jaspreet Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakraborty/Harshit Rana.

Why is Sanju Samson out?

Despite keeping Sanju Samson out of his playing XI, Rahane praised him. He said, 'Now that Shubhman is back in the team, I think he will open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has performed well. He is a great team man. But in my opinion, maybe Sanju Samson will have to sit out, although as I said, I want him to play and be in the playing XI. But Shubhman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open for the team.'