🏏 Ravi Shastri Wants Sanju Samson to Open for India in Asia Cup 2025 Big Selection Debate 🔥
India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 are heating up, and a major debate has sparked among cricket fans, selectors, and former cricketers. Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his full support behind Sanju Samson as India’s preferred T20I opener, insisting that the wicketkeeper-batter should continue opening the innings alongside young sensation Abhishek Sharma.
With the Asia Cup 2025 set to kick off next week, Shastri’s bold statement has reignited discussions about India’s top-order strategy, Shubman Gill’s role, and the future of Indian T20 batting.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into:
✅ Why Shastri backs Samson over Gill
✅ Asia Cup 2025 context and India’s group stage matches
✅ Samson’s T20I stats and record-breaking performances
✅ India’s possible playing XI for Asia Cup 2025
✅ Impact of this debate on India’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations
📰 Ravi Shastri’s Big Statement on Sanju Samson
Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has always been known for his straightforward opinions and fearless analysis. In a recent interview, he made it clear that Sanju Samson should not be moved down the order and deserves a permanent opening spot in India’s T20I side.
“Samson is most dangerous in the top three. That’s where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It won’t be that easy to replace him,” Shastri said.
Shastri also hinted that Shubman Gill, despite being a talented batter, might need to adjust his batting position to fit into India’s evolving T20I strategy.
📊 Sanju Samson’s Explosive T20I Record
Sanju Samson’s rise as an opener has been nothing short of sensational. Let’s break down his stats:
| Stat | Sanju Samson |
|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 27 |
| Innings Opened | 17 |
| Runs Scored | 522 |
| Strike Rate | 178.76 🚀 |
| Centuries | 3 🏆 |
| Average | 34.8 |
| Highest Score | 114* |
✅ Samson became the first Indian to score three T20I centuries in a single calendar year.
✅ His strike rate of 178.76 is the second-highest among Indian openers, just behind Abhishek Sharma.
✅ He has scored big runs against Bangladesh, South Africa, and England, proving his consistency.
⚡ Why Shastri Prefers Samson Over Shubman Gill
The debate isn’t about talent — it’s about T20 adaptability. Here’s why Shastri backs Samson:
1️⃣ Higher Strike Rate in Powerplays
- Samson attacks from ball one and maximizes field restrictions.
- Gill, on the other hand, tends to take time settling, which slows India’s start.
2️⃣ Match-Winning Ability
- Samson’s three T20I hundreds have been game-changers.
- Gill has just one T20I hundred with a strike rate below 140.
3️⃣ Flexibility for Gill
- Shastri suggests Gill can slot in at No.3 or No.4 where he has more time to build an innings.
🏆 Asia Cup 2025: Why Samson’s Role Is Crucial
The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20I format — making power-hitting openers more important than ever.
India’s Group A Matches:
- 🇮🇳 India vs UAE – September 10, 2025
- 🇮🇳 India vs Pakistan – September 14, 2025 🏏🔥
- 🇮🇳 India vs Oman – September 17, 2025
To dominate in these high-pressure matches, India needs explosive starts, and Samson-Abhishek looks like the perfect pairing.
🚀 Abhishek Sharma + Sanju Samson = India’s Dream Opening Duo
Youngster Abhishek Sharma has already made waves with his fearless stroke play. Together with Samson, they form one of the most aggressive T20 opening partnerships in world cricket.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 15 | 448 | 182.12 🔥 |
| Sanju Samson | 27 | 522 | 178.76 🚀 |
This duo could be India’s X-factor in both Asia Cup 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026.
🧩 India’s Probable Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025
Here’s what India’s squad could look like if Samson opens:
Openers:
- Sanju Samson 🧢
- Abhishek Sharma 🌟
Middle Order:
- Tilak Varma
- Shubman Gill
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
Finishers:
- Hardik Pandya ⚡
- Rinku Singh
Bowlers:
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
🔥 What This Means for the T20 World Cup 2026
The Asia Cup 2025 is more than just a continental tournament — it’s a full-dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup 2026.
- Samson’s role as an opener will be crucial in setting up high totals.
- India’s aggressive approach under Shastri’s suggested template could change their T20 batting identity.
- With Abhishek + Samson, India could outscore Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh right from the powerplay.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Ravi Shastri wants Sanju Samson to continue opening in Asia Cup 2025.
- Samson’s three T20I hundreds and 178+ strike rate make him India’s most destructive opener.
- Shubman Gill may need to adapt and play at No.3 or No.4.
- India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign could set the tone for the T20 World Cup 2026.
❓ FAQs About India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Q1. Who will open for India in Asia Cup 2025?
A: Likely Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, as per Ravi Shastri’s preference.
Q2. Will Shubman Gill play in Asia Cup 2025?
A: Yes, but he may bat at No.3 or No.4 instead of opening.
Q3. When is India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?
A: 📅 September 14, 2025 — one of the most awaited clashes of the year!
Q4. Where will Asia Cup 2025 be played?
A: Across UAE, with matches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Q5. Is Asia Cup 2025 preparation for T20 World Cup 2026?
A: ✅ Absolutely! It’s India’s last major tournament before the T20 World Cup.
🎯 Final Thoughts
With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, Ravi Shastri’s support for Sanju Samson as India’s T20I opener has intensified the team selection debate. If Samson delivers on the big stage alongside Abhishek Sharma, India could redefine their T20 batting approach and march into the T20 World Cup 2026 with renewed confidence.