India are to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE, but initial indications from their first practice in Dubai are that Sanju Samson could have to be rested. Jitesh Sharma seems to get preference over Sanju Samson. According to ESPNCricinfo, faced some throw-downs before padding up for practice in nets.
With Shubman Gill back into the T20I combination and taking his place at the top of the order as vice-captain, Samson’s XI position has been questioned. The Kerala batter is now up against Jitesh for a middle-order berth. At India’s training camp, Jitesh spent considerable time batting under the close observation of head coach Gautam Gambhir, while Samson only got a few throwdowns before participating in nets.
Though Samson’s blistering performance in the Kerala Cricket League scoring 368 runs off five innings at an average of 73.60 and strike rate of 186.80 seems to overlook, India’s administration appears to favor Jitesh. The 31-year-old had a great IPL 2025 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a finisher with 261 runs off 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.35. His 85* off 33 balls against Lucknow Super Giants was one of the greatest knocks in the tournament.
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Jitesh has last played for India in January 2024 versus Afghanistan and has 100 runs in seven T20Is. Samson, on the other hand, did not leave much impact in internationals after being elevated as opener in the Bangladesh series in October 2024, during which he scored three centuries in 12 innings. Yet, with Gill returning to the team, Samson might have to wait for another chance.
