India vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025: As anticipated, Sanju Samson misses out on the playing XI, with Jitesh Sharma taking the wicketkeeping role.
Sanju Samson Retained in India’s Asia Cup Playing XI
Sanju Samson has been included in India’s playing XI for the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 against the United Arab Emirates. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting, while Tilak Varma is slated to bat at No. 4. Reports had suggested that Jitesh Sharma might replace Samson due to his middle-order experience and his explosive IPL 2025 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the management chose continuity.
Since Shubman Gill was named vice-captain for the Asia Cup, it was expected he would open alongside Abhishek, which complicated Samson’s inclusion despite his impressive recent T20I performances. In 2024, Samson scored three T20I centuries — one against Bangladesh and two against South Africa — establishing himself as a strong opening partner for Abhishek.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Samson had limited net sessions, only batting after the frontline players, hinting at a possible preference for Jitesh. Even during the captain’s press conference, skipper Suryakumar Yadav avoided a definitive answer on Samson’s inclusion, stating the management would take “good care.”
Ultimately, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar opted for continuity, retaining Samson in the XI. The spotlight now turns to how he will perform in the middle order.
Why fix something that isn’t broke?
Before India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE, former India batter Robin Uthappa had predicted that Sanju Samson would be included in the playing XI, slotting in at No. 3. The prediction proved accurate as Samson retained his place.
He added, “Both captain and coach have stated there is no fixed batting order in the shortest format. It’s very similar to how Gauti led KKR. Why would you move away from something that has worked in the past?”
In the playing XI, Shivam Dube was preferred over Rinku Singh. Jasprit Bumrah is India’s lone frontline pacer, supported by Hardik Pandya. The spin attack features Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel. Captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl after winning the toss.
India Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.