Sanju Samson Could Miss Out As Ajinkya Rahane Selects India's Playing XI For Asia Cup 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 has already generated massive debates among cricket fans following the announcement of the Indian team. Among the biggest talking points is Sanju Samson who despite being in phenomenal form may not make it to the playing eleven. Seasoned batman Ajinkya Rahane has spoken about the likely playing eleven of the tournament and his picks have had many talking. Rahane is of the view that Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will share the opening duties which keeps Samson out of the team as of now despite Rahane himself confessing that he would love to have the Kerala batter in the playing eleven.

The Indian team announcement contained a few surprises. Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the captain and Shubman Gill who was not even a part of the confirmed squad a couple of weeks ago has been elevated to the vice captain position. Along with them Hardik Pandya Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson were also added but Shreyas Iyer had to endure disappointment as he was omitted even after consistently doing well in white ball cricket. The snub of Iyer has already generated some questions regarding the selectors' decisions but Rahane is of the view that the team management will find it difficult to finalize the proper combination due to there being too many good options for a limited number of places.

Rahane while hosting his YouTube channel discussed his conception of batting order. He began by naming Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as the openers. As per him Gill is returning with confidence and Sharma has proved enough to warrant a spot at the top. Rahane admitted Sanju Samson is a brilliant player and a fine team man who played well for India in recent times but he also added that there are times when a team has to make tough decisions when there are several good choices before it. In his words this is a great problem to have for the management.

Sanju Samson has actually been in brilliant form in T20 internationals. In 2024 he slammed three centuries. He first scored 111 against Bangladesh and followed that up with two consecutive knocks of 107 and an unbeaten 109 against South Africa. These efforts made people think that his position in the playing eleven was sorted. But cricket tends to surprise all since even brilliant personal performances don't always ensure a permanent position particularly when the team has so many good players fighting for so few positions.

Having completed the openers Rahane selected Tilak Varma to bat at number three. Then he put captain Suryakumar Yadav at four and Hardik Pandya at five. For the wicketkeeping task Rahane opted for Jitesh Sharma over Samson and that again took Samson out of the running for selection in the final eleven. Jitesh has been talked about as a hard-hitting batsman who can turn the game on its head within no time and that is why Rahane thought he is a good choice in the present composition of the side.

Shifting focus to the bowling attack, Rahane was thrilled with the pace partnership of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Bumrah is already established as one of the most lethal bowlers in international cricket and doesn't require any introduction. Arshdeep, on the contrary, has been improving in confidence and can swing the ball both ways along with providing precise yorkers in the death overs. Rahane said that seeing the two bowl together in Dubai will be a big boost for India. He also said that the eleventh player may change based on the pitch conditions. The team may use Varun Chakaravarthy if spin becomes crucial or Harshit Rana if pace is needed extra.

Rahane was categorical that these are mere opinions of his and not gospel. Still his suggestions matter because of his experience and the respect he carries in Indian cricket. His idea of leaving out Sanju Samson though has caught everyone’s attention. Fans of Samson feel that it is unfair to leave him out after such a brilliant run of form in 2024. At the same time others argue that cricket is a team sport and sometimes decisions have to be made keeping the overall balance in mind rather than only individual numbers.

The bigger story from the squad announcement is also about Shubman Gill’s rise. From being unsure about a spot in the team he is now vice captain and a certainty for the opening berth. His inclusion indicates that the management believes in his future as a leader of India. It also means he will bear a lot of responsibility at this tournament. Also accompanying him will be Abhishek Sharma who will be closely observed as this is a large platform for the young batsman to establish his consistency.

Suryakumar Yadav as captain will also have the pressure of leading a team comprising both seasoned stars and young names. Hardik Pandya's contribution in the middle order will be vital as he can win games with the bat and also offer balance through bowling. Players such as Tilak Varma and Jitesh Sharma will try to make the most of this opportunity to make their presence felt in the team.

With the Asia Cup 2025 nearing, the arguments regarding the playing eleven will only strengthen. Sanju Samson's case will always be at the forefront of people's mind because fans know what he can do. Whether or not he gets an opportunity will lie in the eyes of the team management as to how they perceive the conditions and the balance needed overall. Rahane's view has provided a clear notion of the likely lineup but cricket has proved time and again that last-minute decisions can still leave everybody surprised. One thing is for sure that India possesses a treasure trove of exciting players and whoever ultimately makes it to the eleven the side will possess the quality to challenge hard in Dubai.