As the Playing XI controversy heats up ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has promised to look after Sanju Samson.
Who will wear the wicketkeeping gloves is unknown, as a number of images from the team's practice session are making the rounds online ahead of India's campaign opener against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday at the Dubai International Stadium.
India's Test skipper, Shubman Gill, is a sure starter as an opener due to his promotion to vice-captain. However, with Abhishek Sharma as the other designated opener, Samson's best bet is to bat at No. 6, where he and Jitesh will face a straight-up battle.
A reporter inquired about Samson's chances of playing Xi in the forthcoming contest. Suryakumar Yadav laughed and responded confidently.
"Sir, I will message you the Playing XI. We are actually taking really good care of him. And don't worry. We will make the right decision tomorrow,” Suryakumar playfully replied to the reporter during the all-captains' press conference.
Team India is the defending champion of the Asia Cup after clinching the title in 2023.
Suryakumar Yadav also stated that India is excited to play in the UAE. UAE might not have won a single match in the recent tri-series featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan, but the underdogs cannot be written off, especially when they are the home team.
"They have been playing a very exciting brand of cricket. They recently played a series and came very close to all the teams. It's still a stepping-stone, and I am sure, I hope, and I wish them all the best as they cross the line in the Asia Cup. We are very excited to play them," added Suryakumar.
“As a team, we played a tournament in Jan-Fab. But the boys played IPL also and had a good time there. After June, we haven't played any cricket together, but that’s how this tournament is. You accept the challenges, and let's see how it starts from tomorrow," said the Indian captain.
India will face Pakistan after the UAE on September 14 and then Oman on September 19.
