It’s time for another multinational T20 event and the debate over Sanju Samson is back. When Gautam Gambhir took over the reins of India’s head coach, Sanju Samson seemed to have received a new lease of life. But not anymore. After missing half of the IPL 2025 with injury, there is a question mark on his place in the India squad for Asia Cup 2025. The reason? Others have done better than him in the IPL. Former India batter Deep Dasgupta is in the camp which believes it will be difficult to put Samson in the mix for Asia Cup 2025.
The wicketkeeper has scored the most runs for India in T20Is since Gautam Gambhir took over as India’s head coach. Samson has scored 487 runs in 16 innings at an average of 34.78 and a strike rate of 171.47, including three centuries. But against a strong England side, Samson hit rock bottom, scoring just 51 runs in five innings, including three single-digit scores.
“Sanju Samson has done well. But he struggled against a full-strength England team at home. That was the only series under Surya where India played a top international full-strength team,” Deep Dasgupta, the cricketer-turned-commentator, told Times of India.
Shubman Gill over Yashasvi Jaiswal
As Samson struggled with injuries in IPL 2025, Gill took his chances and flourished for Gujarat Titans, Gill scored 650 runs in 15 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of 155.88. As he is in the running for the T20I vice captaincy, Gill will be ahead in the pecking order in the Asia Cup 2025.
Another fact that works in favour of Gill is his consistency, unlike Samson. Despite scoring three centuries, Samson also had four ducks and as many single-digit scores in 16 innings. Deep Dasgupta believes Gill can play the role Virat Kohli used to, taking the innings deep in high-pressure tournaments.
“Gill can play the role of Kohli who can take the innings deep in high-pressure tournaments. He has IPL performances to back him. On slower pitches in the UAE, one must have that kind of player,” Dasgupta told TOI.
Most runs for India since July 10, 2024
| Batter | Inns | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 16 | 487 | 111 | 34.78 | 171.47 | 3 | 1 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 14 | 435 | 135 | 31.07 | 193.33 | 1 | 2 |
| Tilak Varma | 9 | 413 | 120* | 82.60 | 170.66 | 2 | 1 |
| Hardik Pandya | 13 | 320 | 53 | 35.55 | 145.45 | 0 | 1 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 14 | 258 | 75 | 18.42 | 161.25 | 0 | 2 |
The Sanju Samson dilemma
While Samson has largely paid off the trust Gambhir showed in him, there is still the question of consistency. Samson also struggled against spin in Sri Lanka on low and slow surfaces. He was dismissed for two consecutive ducks in Sri Lanka. He also had a torrid time against fast bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
However, Abhishek Sharma does not have similar issues. In fact, he has flourished against pacers, as well as spinners. While Abhishek too has been inconsistent, Deep Dasgupta believes Abhishek can kill the game on his own with his knocks.
“Abhishek Sharma has to start as the opener because he can kill a game when he gets going. But it’s imperative that Jaiswal is in and around the squad. So, the team management has to decide if Samson or Jitesh Sharma can serve in the middle-order,” Dasgupta added.
If India look at Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma both in the middle-order along with captain Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir will have to opt for a wicketkeeper-batter at No 7, Jitesh Sharma could fit that bill. That will effectively rule Samson out. India have an overcrowded top-order and Samson will have to fight against many to stake a claim.
