Sunil Gavaskar Names India XI for Asia Cup 2025, Makes Bold Sanju Samson Call

Sunil Gavaskar Names India XI for Asia Cup 2025, Makes Bold Sanju Samson Call

The Asia Cup 2025 is fast approaching, and discussions around India’s possible playing XI have already started. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has now revealed his preferred XI for the tournament, making some interesting choices and a bold call regarding wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Sunil Gavaskar

Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to Open

According to Gavaskar, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma should form India’s opening pair in the Asia Cup. Gill, who returns to the squad after recovering from fitness concerns, has been one of India’s most consistent white-ball batters. His natural timing and ability to handle pace and spin makes him a strong choice at the top.

On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has been in brilliant T20 form for India. His aggressive left-handed batting style complements Gill perfectly, giving India the right balance of caution and aggression in the powerplay overs.

Gavaskar said, “The two certainties would be Abhishek and Shubman Gill, the two Punjab boys opening the batting together. That would be my opening pair.” Sunil Gavaskar

Sanju Samson’s Role in the Middle Order

One of the big questions for India has been about Sanju Samson’s place in the XI. With Gill back, many believed Samson would lose his spot. But Gavaskar disagrees. Sunil Gavaskar

The former India captain feels Samson can still play a vital role as a middle-order batter and the team’s wicket-keeper. Gavaskar pointed out that Samson has the experience of batting lower down the order and can be a match-winner even outside the opening slot. Sunil Gavaskar

“He can still be in the team as somebody batting down the order. He can bat at 5 or 6. He shouldn’t be left out, after all he’s the wicket-keeper. Sanju is a very gifted player; he can adapt,” Gavaskar explained.

This is a major vote of confidence for Samson, who has often faced criticism for inconsistency despite his talent. According to Gavaskar, his adaptability and wicket-keeping skills make him too valuable to be left out.

Middle-Order Choices: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya

Gavaskar also included Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav in his batting lineup. Varma has impressed with his composure and stroke play in international cricket, while Suryakumar, the world’s No. 1 ranked T20I batter, remains a key part of India’s plans.

Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, adds balance to the side. Depending on the match situation, Gavaskar suggests Pandya could be pushed up the order, especially if India requires quick runs.

Axar Patel’s name also came up in Gavaskar’s XI. He praised Axar’s batting in pressure situations, particularly highlighting his performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados.

Bowling Attack: Bumrah, Arshdeep, Kuldeep, and Varun

For the bowling department, Gavaskar prefers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as the new-ball pair. Bumrah’s experience and death bowling expertise, combined with Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and swing, could trouble opposition batters in UAE conditions. Sunil Gavaskar

Among the spinners, Gavaskar backed Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. Kuldeep’s wrist spin remains a wicket-taking weapon, while Varun’s mystery spin adds variety. With Axar Patel also providing spin options, India looks well-balanced in this department. Sunil Gavaskar

Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities further strengthen the bowling lineup, giving India six proper bowling options.

Tough Calls: No Place for Rinku, Harshit, Dube, and Jitesh

Gavaskar admitted that leaving out some in-form players was tough. Names like Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma miss out in his XI. All four have been part of recent T20I setups, but competition for places has become extremely tight.

However, Gavaskar stressed that this is only his preferred XI and the final decision will depend on match conditions, pitch reports, and opposition strengths.

Gavaskar’s India XI for Asia Cup 2025

1. Shubman Gill

2. Abhishek Sharma

3. Tilak Varma

4. Suryakumar Yadav

5. Sanju Samson (wk)

6. Hardik Pandya

7. Axar Patel

8. Jasprit Bumrah

9. Arshdeep Singh

10. Kuldeep Yadav

11. Varun Chakravarthy

Sunil Gavaskar’s India XI shows a blend of youth and experience. He has backed young openers like Gill and Abhishek while showing faith in Sanju Samson’s ability to adapt in the middle order. His bowling choices also provide India with balance and depth.

With the Asia Cup 2025 set to be held in UAE from September 9, India’s team selection will be closely followed by fans. Gavaskar’s bold inclusion of Samson in the middle order adds a fresh dimension to the debate, and it will be interesting to see if the team management follows a similar path. Sunil Gavaskar

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