Sanju Samson was named in India's XI for UAE game in the Asia Cup 2025.
There were speculations about Sanju’s spot in the India XI in the Asia Cup after Shubman Gill was included as an opener and was also named vice-captain. Sanju had opened the innings in Gill’s absence for the past year and hammered three centuries in 2024 alone.
With Gill back and ensured a spot at the top, reports were stating that Samson might not be picked in XI, as Jitesh Sharma was primed for the keeper-finisher role in the middle order.
However, all speculations were quashed as Sanju Samson was named in India’s XI, but in the middle order at no. 5 against the UAE. He kept the wickets well, taking a brilliant catch off Shivam Dube.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, R. Ashwin revealed how Gautam Gambhir assured Sanju Samson that even if he gets dismissed for 21 ducks, he will get the 22nd game.
“I am surprised but happy and pleasantly surprised with the backing that Sanju is getting. The kind of care the coach and captain are taking of him is amazing. Suryakumar said at the press conference that ‘we are looking after him,’ and that is visible. If Sanju has to play, he has to be a power play enforcer. If a wicket falls in the powerplay, then Sanju goes in,” Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat.
“This is project Sanju Samson. When I interviewed him, he revealed that Gautam Gambhir told him that even if he makes 21 ducks, he will be picked for the 22nd game. That is the confidence that the coach and Suryakumar have given him. It is clear that the team management believes in what Sanju Samson brings to the table. They are willing to do this sort of thing to make a place for him. Amazing,” he added.
Sanju Samson will next be in action for India when they face Pakistan in their second Group A game on September 14 in Dubai in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.