Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill’s Return Shakes Up India’s Batting Order
The Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement has sparked huge excitement among Indian cricket fans. The much-awaited tournament is scheduled to begin on September 9 and will conclude with the final on September 28. All the matches will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE) in the T20I format.
For weeks, there had been speculation about India’s squad, and finally, on August 19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the team. The announcement was made in Mumbai by Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar alongside Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. The selectors named a 15-member squad along with five travelling reserves.
The major talking point of the squad is the return of Shubman Gill, who has been named vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. His inclusion almost guarantees a spot in the top order of India’s playing XI. With Gill being one of India’s most promising and consistent batters, his comeback raises an important question: who will make way for him in the batting order?
Gill’s presence means India will have to shuffle their top three batters, which includes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, both of whom had been doing well as openers in recent series. The decision now lies with the team management—whether to persist with the settled pair of Abhishek and Samson or push Samson down the order to accommodate Gill as an opener.
The return of Shubman Gill to India’s T20I setup for the Asia Cup 2025 has created a big selection headache for the team management. While Gill has been appointed the vice-captain and looks set to slot straight into the top order, the player most affected by this decision is Sanju Samson.
Abhishek Sharma’s Undroppable Form
Currently, Abhishek Sharma is among the best T20 batters in the world and has cemented his role as an opener. His left-handed batting brings balance to the lineup, making him a certain pick at the top. At No. 3, captain Suryakumar Yadav is irreplaceable, which leaves just one opening slot available—previously occupied by Sanju Samson.
Shubman Gill to Open with Abhishek Sharma
With Gill’s return, it seems almost certain that he will partner Abhishek Sharma at the top. This directly pushes Sanju Samson out of his opening role. Unless the team reshuffles drastically, Samson may find it difficult to hold onto a spot in the playing XI.
Middle-Order Challenge for Samson
If Samson wants to feature in the XI, he may have to bat in the lower middle order (No. 6 or 7)—a role he has rarely played for India. However, India already has Jitesh Sharma, one of the best T20 finishers in the world, who can also take up wicketkeeping duties. This reduces Samson’s chances even further.
Selectors Drop a Hint
During the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar explained that Samson had been opening only because both Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were unavailable earlier. This was a clear indication that once Gill returned, Samson would either have to adjust in the middle order or face the possibility of being dropped.
Uncertain Future in the XI
Samson’s spot in the Asia Cup 2025 XI is far from guaranteed. His only options are:
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Batting lower down the order (unfamiliar territory)
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Competing with Jitesh Sharma for the wicketkeeper role
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Or, unfortunately, missing out on the playing XI altogether.
This situation raises the big question: Will Sanju Samson adapt and find a new role, or will Gill’s return push him out of the XI entirely?
Sanju Samson Has Been Among India’s Best Batters in the Last Year
Over the past year, Sanju Samson has transformed himself into one of India’s most reliable performers in T20Is. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter has thrived especially as an opener, where he has been given the freedom to express his natural attacking game. His consistency with the bat has been a key factor in India’s strong starts.
During the South Africa tour, Samson underlined his potential with not one, but two centuries, proving that he can dominate world-class bowling attacks. This purple patch has made him a fan-favourite and raised expectations about his role in the Asia Cup 2025.
However, with Shubman Gill returning as vice-captain and expected to reclaim an opening spot alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson may be forced down the order—or even out of the XI. For someone who has excelled as an opener, such a shift could feel unfair.
The Role of Communication
India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of clarity and transparency with players. If Samson is asked to change roles, clear communication from the management will be critical. Proper guidance could help him adapt to a new batting position, but without it, the shift might disrupt his confidence and rhythm.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Campaign
India begin their Asia Cup 2025 journey against the UAE on September 10. The much-anticipated clash against Pakistan follows on September 14, before they wrap up the group stage against Oman. With such high-stakes matches on the horizon, India’s batting combination—and particularly Sanju Samson’s role—will be under intense scrutiny.
