The discussions have intensified regarding the possible playing XI of the Indian team ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Meanwhile, former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has clearly said that there is no question of keeping Sanju Samson out of the team. The opening slot with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma is considered fixed, but Gavaskar believes that Sanju can maintain his rhythm even in the lower order.

Shubman Gill, who will be the vice-captain of Suryakumar Yadav in this tournament, is making a comeback to T20I cricket after a long time. With Gill's place confirmed, Samson will no longer be expected to get a chance to open. Despite this, Gavaskar believes that this wicketkeeper-batsman from Kerala has enough ability to play an important role for the team at number five or six.

Sanju Samson's recent record also strengthens his claim. He scored three centuries in the last calendar year and became the only Indian player to achieve this feat. Although he had shone while opening the innings, selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar recently made it clear that Samson was given the opening position only because Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were not available.

Gavaskar believes that Samson has experience of playing down the order and can also adjust under pressure. He praised Samson as a “class act” and said that the team should trust his talent. In Gavaskar's suggested XI, Sanju is placed at number five, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel bring balance to the lower order.

We think Sunil Gavaskar has a point. Sanju Samson's game is not limited to opening only. His aggressive style and wicketkeeping make him indispensable for the team. Even if he has to bat down the order, his experience and explosiveness can help India win matches. Retaining Samson will be the right move for team balance.

HIS XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh