Asia Cup 2025: Gavaskar Backs Sanju Samson, Calls Him Key to India’s Success

Sports News: Before the start of Asia Cup 2025, discussions have intensified regarding Team India's final XI. This time all eyes are on Sanju Samson. The question is whether he will get consistent opportunities or not. Former Team India veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that a player like Samson should not be kept in the team only as a reserve, but he should be included in the starting playing XI.

'Samson should get a chance from the first match itself'

The tournament is going to start in the UAE on September 9. On this occasion, Gavaskar said, "You don't keep a player like Sanju Samson in the team just as a reserve. If he is part of the team, he must play in the playing XI. He can bat at number three or play the role of a finisher in the lower order if needed."

With the return of team vice-captain Shubman Gill, it is almost certain that he will open the innings with Abhishek Sharma. In such a situation, there will be a tough competition for the place in the middle order. Samson is in direct competition with Jitesh Sharma, who has proved himself as a finisher in the IPL. Gavaskar believes that Samson should be given priority in the initial matches.  "According to me, Samson will be preferred over Jitesh Sharma in the first two or three matches. After this, further team selection will depend on his form," he said.

Possibility of reshuffle in the middle order

Team India's middle order is full of star players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, and Hardik Pandya. In such a situation, it will be challenging to give place to everyone. Gavaskar suggested that Tilak Verma could be sent down so that Samson can get a chance to play at number three. "Tilak can be given the responsibility of batting at number five or six. Hardik will also play there. This can open up the number three position for Samson," Gavaskar explained.

One of Rinku Singh or Shivam Dubey will be out

Due to the abundance of players available in the team, some names will have to sit on the bench. Gavaskar made it clear that either Rinku Singh or Shivam Dubey may have to sit out to maintain team balance. "Axar Patel gives the team a left-hand option and four overs of bowling. In such a situation, one of Rinku or Dubey may have to wait," Gavaskar said.

Advice to go with six bowlers

Gavaskar suggests that Team India should enter the field with a combination of a total of six bowlers. It should include three fast bowlers, two spinners, and Hardik Pandya in the role of all-rounder so that the team has both balance and options. His favorite spin pair is Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Among the fast bowlers, he suggested including Harshit Rana as the third pacer. "In the T20 format, there is no need to pull the batting to number eight. Actually you need variety in bowling. If one bowler has a bad day, the other can take over," Gavaskar explained.

No doubt on Bumrah's fitness

On the concerns raised about Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, Gavaskar said that he is fully fit and ready to play his role in the tournament. "In T20, no bowler bowls four overs in a row. It happens in two or three spells. For a fit and experienced bowler like Bumrah, it will not be difficult at all," he expressed confidence.