Sanju Samson is likely to keep wickets for India in the Asia Cup 2025, as captain Suryakumar Yadav fully backs the right-hander's capabilities. The Indian skipper wants Samson to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma and is unwilling to change the explosive left-right combination, a report claimed. The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Axar Patel is likely to be Surya's deputy for the tournament, which will also likely include Jitesh Sharma as the backup wicket-keeper batter. Given their similar profiles as explosive, left-handed openers, Abhishek Sharma's scintillating form may restrict Yashasvi Jaiswal to the bench. Last year, Abhishek, in Sanju Samson's company, consistently provided India with a strong start, which means Jaiswal will likely have to wait for his opportunity.
Suryakumar wants Sanju-Abhishek juggernaut to continue
In the 12 innings they played together, Sanju Samson scored 417 runs at a strike rate of 183.7, with a high score of 111. The 30-year-old also managed a half-century and averaged 34.8.
Abhishek Sharma, 24, made 411 runs at a higher strike rate of 200.48. He scored two half-centuries and a career-best of 135, with an average of roughly 34.25.
Based on data from the 12 innings they opened together since the last T20I World Cup, they have scored 165 runs together. The fearless pair have so far managed 9.82 runs per over while batting together and have a highest partnership of 73 against South Africa. Since the World Cup, Abhishek Sharma has scored 535 runs from 16 innings, while Sanju Samson has scored 487 runs from the same number of games.
Asia Cup: Possible Indian lineup
Shreyas Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to the final of the IPL, is also certain to gain a spot in the playing lineup. It is also possible that the experienced middle-order batter may be named vice-captain, although Axar Patel has the edge. A report from Manorama Online said that Tilak Varma, who is Yadav's teammate at Mumbai Indians, is also almost certain to retain his spot.
However, the report also said that it is uncertain whether Jasprit Bumrah will be named in the squad. Bumrah was rested for two Tests during the England tour as part of workload management. In Bumrah's absence, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Hardik Pandya will lead India's seam attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are likely to be chosen over the experienced Yuzvendra Chahal, who will have to sit out.
The BCCI is expected to announce the squad for the tournamnet by the third week of August.
Team India probables for Asia Cup T20Is: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Verma, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.