Since the T20 Asia Cup 2025 squad was announced, the frequently asked question is whether Sanju Samson will make the playing eleven. With Shubman Gill getting in as vice-captain, there is uncertainty over Samson’s place. On the eve of the tournament opener, captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked whether Samson will play against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai. He did not give clarity but gave a one-line answer to the query in the captains’ press conference.
“Sir, I shall message you the playing XI. But yes, we are really taking good care of him and don’t worry, we shall make the right decision,” Suryakumar said while smiling in the captains’ press conference.
Suryakumar is not looking to take Muhammad Waseem-led UAE lightly and hopes they win a match in the tournament.
"They are playing exciting brand of cricket and came close in some of the games in a (recent) tri-series. Hope they cross the line in the Asia Cup," he said.
Suryakumar said that he would not look to experiment with the team combination for the UAE clash.
"When you play a format you need to know how good is your preparation. Why mend something that isn't broken? If something has given us results why would we need to change that aspect separately," he added.
Samson in good form -
While Gill hasn’t played a T20 game since the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he led India on England tour in the five-Test series that ended in a 2-2 draw, Samson was playing in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025. From just five innings, he scored 368 runs from 73.60 at strike rate of 186.50, featuring one century and three fifties. At first, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain batted in the middle order for Kochi Blue Tigers but then moved to the top, scoring a blazing century in the run chase.