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Former India cricketer MSK Prasad feels that Sanju Samson should definitely get a spot in the Men in Blue's playing XI for Asia Cup 2025. He also highlighted the latter's fine batting performance last year in the shortest format and remarked that he should the side's No.1 wicketkeeper choice over Jitesh Sharma.
At first, Samson was expected to open the innings for India alongside Abhishek Sharma in Asia Cup. However, uncertainties grew around his spot in the XI after Shubman Gill was included in the 15-member squad for the tournament. Jitesh's inclusion in the team only saw the doubts around Samson grow even further.
However, Prasad showed faith in Samson and stated that he should get a place in India's top-order. He pointed out that even though Jitesh may be a better finisher, but Samson scored two fantastic centuries against South Africa last year and thus, he shouldn't be ignored.
“Jitesh is a better finisher, no doubt. He understands that role well. Sanju, on the other hand, has always been most effective batting up the order. So it really depends on what the team management wants," Prasad told The Times of India.
“If they need a top-order wicketkeeper, then Sanju is the obvious choice. But if they feel the top order is settled and need a finisher, then Jitesh might get the nod. Either way, it’s a good problem to have, but to be honest, what wrong did Sanju do to be sidelined? He has scored hundreds in South Africa and you can’t ignore that," he added.
Prasad also shared his views on India's batting order for Asia Cup and remarked that if Samson fails to get a spot in the top-order, then he should be given a slot on either the fifth or sixth position.
“If Sanju is slotted at number 3, then he will play. He has even scored back-to-back centuries in South Africa, batting higher up. In the pecking order, he comes ahead of Jitesh," Prasad stated.
“But if he is not batting at 3, then I do not see him finding a place at 5 or 6. In my view, the batting order should be: Sanju at 3, Suryakumar at 4 and then someone like Rinku at 6," he added.
India's schedule for Asia Cup
Meanwhile, India will be kicking-off their campaign in the Asia Cup with the clash against UAE on September 10 before facing-off against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. Their group stage will come to a conclusion with the match against Oman on September 19. The Men in Blue head into the tournament as the favourites and will be aiming to bring home a record ninth Asia Cup title.
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