As the countdown begins for India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against hosts UAE in Dubai, a major talking point has emerged around the opening combination. With Shubman Gill making his T20I return as vice-captain after more than a year, speculation has been rife about whether he might slot in as opener, replacing Sanju Samson.
But former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made his stance crystal clear — leave Samson alone.
“Samson should be left as opener” – Shastri
Speaking to the media ahead of the tournament, Shastri stressed that Samson’s best impact comes at the top of the order.
“He [Samson] is most dangerous in the top three. That’s where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It won’t be that easy to replace him. Samson has a strong record for India at the top in T20s. Even Gill will find it tough to displace him. Gill may come in for someone else, but Samson should be left alone as opener,” Shastri said.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Samson’s rise as a T20I opener has been one of the most striking developments for India in the past year. Handed a consistent run during the Bangladesh series at home, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter repaid the faith in style with three centuries in just seven innings against Bangladesh and South Africa.
- As Opener: 522 runs in 17 innings at an average of 32.62 and a staggering strike rate of 178.76, including three hundreds.
- Overall T20I Record: 861 runs in 38 innings at a strike rate of 152.38.
That strike rate of 178.76 is the second-highest among all Indian openers, only behind Abhishek Sharma.
Gill, on the other hand, has scored 578 runs from 21 T20I innings at a strike rate below 140, with just one century to his name.
Gill’s Return Sparks Debate
The selectors’ decision to bring Gill back as vice-captain has added fuel to the debate. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar recently hinted that Samson was more of a “makeshift opener” in previous series, stepping up while Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were occupied with Test duties.
However, Shastri’s comments reflect the form book — Samson has produced runs and impact in the role, while Gill might have to adapt to a different spot in the top order.
Management’s Big Call
With India set to face UAE on September 10, all eyes will be on whether the management sticks with Samson-Abhishek at the top or accommodates Gill as an opener. Shastri, though, has drawn his line in the sand.
“Samson should continue playing the way he has for India in T20s. He has been consistent at the top with big runs and hundreds,” the former coach added.
Whatever the decision, the choice between Samson’s explosive strike rate and Gill’s leadership role promises to be one of the defining subplots of India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign.
