Former Team Indiacaptain Sunil Gavaskar wants Sanju Samson to bat at number three or don the role of finisher at number six for the current T20 World Cup champions in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, to be played
from September 9 to 28. Samson, who made his international debut in 2015 at the age of 20, hasn’t become a regular member of Team India’s white-ball side. Despite possessing exceptional talent, there is no certainty regarding Samson’s place in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025. With the return of Shubman Gill in the T20 International (T20I) squad, Samson might be seen warming the benches as the 25-year-old can be seen opening with Abhishek Sharma.
However, Sunil Gavaskar feels Samson can be effective for India in the number three spot or a finisher as well. "It’s a very good headache to have for any selection committee that you have two capable batters and somebody like Sanju Samson who can maybe even bat at three, and if needed come down at six as a finisher. Jitesh has also done well in the recently concluded IPL. But my feeling is that Samson will probably get the nod," said Gavaskar to Sony Sports Network.
Sanju Samson’s T20I records for India
Sanju Samson has played 42 T20Is for Team India, in which he amassed 861 runs with three hundreds and two fifties in 38 innings, at a stellar strike rate of 152.38. This year, he has played five T20Is, in which he could chalk up only 51 runs at an average of 10.20. He played theses matches against England in January-February.
Following the horrendous series against the English side, he registered his presence for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. In RR colours, he struck 285 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 140.39.
