India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 began under the scorching Dubai sun at the ICC Academy, but the first nets session delivered a worrying sign for Sanju Samson ahead of India’s opener against the UAE.
While Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh spent extended time in the middle, fine-tuning their shots and facing pace and spin alike, Samson’s session was surprisingly short. Reports from Cricbuzz and on-ground observations suggest that Jitesh Sharma, his wicket-keeping rival, took the lion’s share of time behind the stumps — signaling that the team management may have already settled on their first-choice keeper for the tournament opener.
Samson, who has been in good form as a T20I opener for India, found himself largely on the sidelines, participating only in warm-up drills and a brief hitting session alongside all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel. He did not partake in fielding drills and spent a significant portion of the session watching his teammates work through their routines.
Meanwhile, Gill and Abhishek Sharma batted together in the nets, facing deliveries from India’s fast-bowling duo, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, while Rinku Singh faced the spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav also logged significant time against spin, indicating the focus on preparing India’s middle-order and finishing options.
Varun Chakravarthy bowled one of the night’s longest spells before working on high catching drills with fielding coach T. Dilip, while head coach Gautam Gambhir was frequently in discussions with captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill — a tactical huddle that seemed to leave Samson on the periphery.
For Samson, the first nets session raised questions over his role in India’s XI. Though nothing is official, the hint is clear: Jitesh Sharma could be ahead in the pecking order as India looks to field a balanced side against the UAE. Fans will be keenly watching the next nets sessions and warm-ups to see if Samson can reclaim his spot or if the management’s early signals hold true.
Key Takeaways from India’s First Nets Session:
- Jitesh Sharma dominated wicket-keeping drills, possibly indicating the first-choice role.
- Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma had extended batting practice.
- Rinku Singh prepared for finishing duties against spinners.
- Sanju Samson’s net time was limited; no fielding drills included.
FAQs
Will Sanju Samson play in India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener?
His participation is uncertain. First nets session hints at Jitesh Sharma being the preferred wicketkeeper, but final XI will be confirmed before the match.
Who took the most time behind the stumps in India’s first nets?
Jitesh Sharma took the majority of wicket-keeping practice, suggesting a potential lead over Samson.
How did India’s key batters prepare in the nets?
Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh had extended sessions, practicing against both pace and spin to fine-tune their shots for the Asia Cup opener.
India’s first nets session may have offered more than just batting and bowling practice — it offered a glimpse into the team’s possible XI, and for Sanju Samson, it was a cautionary signal that his place could be under pressure.
