Sanju Samson, who looked extraordinary in T20 Internationals (T20I) for Indiain 2024, might not get a place in India’s playing XI in the Asia Cup 2025 to be played from September 9 to 28 in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE). Samson played 13 T20Is in which he has scored 436 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 180.16. In the absence of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson donned the role of opener for the Men In Blue in the shortest form of the sport. In the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, Gill will make a comeback in T20I after 13 months. With Gill’s return, it will be interesting to witness how Sanju will make it to the playing XI in the continental tournament.
Recently, Mohammad Kaif raised doubts over Sanju Samson’s selection in the competition. Former India batter feels Sanju might not fit into the top four batting spots. “I think Sanju Samson’s place in the XI is tough. When the team reaches the UAE, they’ll decide based on how the players are performing. But if Samson can’t come in the top 4, it will be difficult for him,” said Kaif. As per Kaif, India’s top four will be Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill as openers followed by Tilak Varma and SuryaKumar Yadav.
Sanju Samson’s recent batting performances
Sanju Samson played his last international match against England at the Wankhede Stadium on February 2, 2025. The right-handed batter scored 16 off seven in that game. Discussing Samson’s T20I numbers for India, he has accumulated 861 runs with three hundreds and two fifties in 38 innings of 42 games at a strike rate of 152.38
Samson was also seen in action for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Donning RR colours, the 30-year-old smashed 285 runs with a fifty in nine matches at a strike rate of 140.39.
