• Source:JND
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Asia Cup 2025: Ravi Shastri has come up with a suggestion for the Indian team to not change Sanju Samson's batting order in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 which is scheduled to be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Samson's opening spot came under huge threat ever since Shubman Gill was included in the 15-member squad for the continental tournament and was even made the vice-captain of the T20I side. With Gill being an automatic pick in the playing XI, there were the possibility of Samson missing out.

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Abhishek Sharma seems to be the fixed opener but there is still uncertainty over the other batter at the top of the order. Notably, Ajit Agarkar explained that Samson opened with Abhishek Sharma only in the absence of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

However, Shastri is insistent that Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav should maintain Samson’s spot at the top, suggesting Shubman Gill be accommodated elsewhere in the lineup.

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"He [Samson] is most dangerous in the top three," Shastri said at a media interaction. "That’s where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It [replacing Samson for Gill] won’t be that easy. 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 the opener. Samson should continue playing the way he has for India in T20s. He has been consistent at the top with big runs and hundreds," he added.

The right-handed batter Samson has been a promising player for India in the T20Is, scoring 861 runs in 42 matches at an average of 25.32. On the other hand, Abhishek is the top-ranked men’s ICC batter in T20Is, who can also double up as a more-than-handy spinner.

The former India head coach went on to say that the Men in Blue should capitalise on the spin-friendly conditions in UAE, but didn’t suggest an exact combination that India should use.

"Given the conditions in Dubai and the heat, spin will definitely be the flavour of the month. Teams like Afghanistan might even play four spinners. Whether it’s two or three (for India), it depends on balance, but spinners will certainly be in big demand in Dubai. You need both finger spin and wrist spin. India has that luxury, and they’ll all come into play depending on conditions," he added.