Modern-day cricket is increasingly dominated by the shorter T20 format, where quick scoring and aggressive batting has fast become the new norm. With the Asia
Cup 2025 scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE, teams are in the final stages of squad selection. India is set to announce its team on August 19, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to lead the Men in Blue.
The big question, however, is who will occupy the top order. Among the contenders are the wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and Indian Test captain Shubman Gill. Both bring contrasting skill sets, and their inclusion could have a significant impact on India’s campaign ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Here, let us look at the batting stats of both cricketers in the international 20-over formats.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has played 42 matches for India in T20Is, scoring 861 runs in 38 innings at an average of 25 and a strike rate of 152.38. He has also registered three centuries, which highlight his ability to change the course of a game in quick time. However, his inconsistency has often been questioned, and his international average is considered below par by modern standards.
In the last 10 T20I innings he played, he impressed everyone with three brilliant centuries, one against South Africa while two came against Bangladesh. However, injuries plagued his IPL 2025 season with Rajasthan Royals (RR), forcing him to miss crucial matches. While his attacking game and natural flair make him a valuable asset in the shorter format, the risk of relying on his fitness and consistency remains a concern for India with back-to-back tournaments lined up, also keeping the home T20 World Cup 2026 in mind.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has emerged as India’s Test captain and recently led the team to a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. Despite his success in red-ball cricket, his T20I record is not as convincing, with 578 runs in 21 innings at an average of 30. Questions have been raised about his ability to dominate the shortest format, where sustained aggressive batting is key.
Gill was in sublime form during IPL 2025, scoring 650 runs in 15 innings for Gujarat Titans (GT), showcasing his adaptability and consistency at the franchise level. Although his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad looks less likely given India’s stacked top order, he could still be looked at as a backup opener or top-order option. If the selectors go against picking Gill, he will take part in the Duleep Trophy instead, captaining the North Zone squad.
Sanju Samson & Shubman Gill T20I stats comparison
| Sanju Samson | Player | Shubman Gill |
| 42 | Matches | 21 |
| 38 | Innings | 21 |
| 861 | Runs | 578 |
| 25.32 | Average | 30.42 |
| 152.38 | Strike Rate | 139.27 |
| 03 | 100s | 01 |
| 02 | 50s | 03 |
| 111 | Highest Score | 126* |
Note: Data as of August 18, 2025
Conclusion
When comparing the two, both Samson and Gill bring different strengths to the table. Samson offers explosive firepower with his high strike rate, something modern T20 cricket thrives on, while Gill provides solidity and the promise of long-term potential. Considering the immediate demands of the Asia Cup, Samson appears to have the edge in terms of suitability for the format. The 25-year-old still has time to refine his T20 game and establish himself as a consistent performer in the format before being a regular.
