Mumbai: Sanju Samson, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala, has been a fan favourite for his explosive strokeplay. But as the Asia Cup 2025 looms, his place in India’s playing XI is under the scanner. Despite a stellar run in T20Is, recent struggles and the return of big names like Shubman Gill have sparked a debate: is Samson’s time as an opener running out?
With the tournament kicking off on September 9, 2025, let’s unpack the drama surrounding his spot and what it means for Team India.
A Stellar Yet Shaky Run
Samson has been on fire in T20Is, smashing three centuries in his last 12 innings, including a blazing 109 not out against South Africa. Alongside Abhishek Sharma, he’s formed a fearless opening pair, racking up over 400 runs at a strike rate above 180 since the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yet, his recent performances against England in 2025 exposed a chink in his armour — four dismissals playing horizontal bat shots to short balls aimed at his body. This weakness has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether he can handle top-tier pace attacks consistently.
The Shubman Gill Factor
The return of Shubman Gill, named vice-captain for the Asia Cup, has thrown a spanner in the works. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Samson only got the opening slot because Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unavailable earlier. With Gill back in the fold, seen as India’s next all-format star, Samson’s spot is no longer a sure bet. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra put it bluntly: “Gill’s return seals Samson’s fate; he won’t feature in the XI now.” Jitesh Sharma, the backup wicketkeeper, adds further competition, with his recent IPL form catching the selectors’ eye.
The Case For Samson
Despite the doubts, Samson has his defenders. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has backed him, saying there’s “no question” over his T20I position. A fiery 54 off 36 balls in an exhibition match for Kerala Cricket Association’s Secretary’s XI on August 15 served as a timely reminder of his talent. His ability to take on bowlers from the first ball has made him a key part of India’s aggressive T20 strategy under coach Gautam Gambhir. But with emerging talents like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sai Sudharsan also in the mix, the pressure is on.
The Bigger Picture
Samson’s journey has never been easy. Hailing from Kerala, a state with a less robust cricketing ecosystem, he’s had to fight harder than players from Mumbai or Tamil Nadu. His stop-start international career, marked by injuries and inconsistent opportunities, adds to the stakes. Former selector Kris Srikkanth even suggested dropping Samson for Suryavanshi, citing his struggles against short balls. Yet, Samson’s recent numbers — among the top three T20I batters globally for runs and strike rate — make a strong case for his inclusion. The question is whether selectors will prioritise form or long-term planning for an all-format leader like Gill.
What’s Next For Samson?
As India gears up to face UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in the Asia Cup group stages starting September 10, Samson’s fate hangs in the balance. The selectors’ preference for Gill and the emergence of other contenders could see him benched, possibly relegated to a middle-order or backup role. But a player of Samson’s calibre isn’t one to go down without a fight. His performance in any warm-up matches or early tournament games could still sway the team management.
Sanju Samson’s Asia Cup journey is at a crossroads. His explosive form has won hearts, but technical flaws and stiff competition threaten his spot as India’s opener. With Shubman Gill’s return and the selectors’ focus on future stars, Samson faces a make-or-break moment. Will he rise above the doubts and cement his place, or will he once again find himself on the sidelines? As the cricketing world tunes in, Samson’s grit and flair will be under the spotlight like never before.