Sanju Samson got a big vote of confidence on Wednesday when he was included in India’s playing XI for their Asia Cup 2025 match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With Shubman Gill, India’s Test skipper, also in the team, doubts were being raised about whether Samson would play in the playing XI. But captain Suryakumar Yadav had intimated before the tournament that the team was “taking good care” of the wicketkeeper-batter, implying that Samson was still very much on their radar.
Samson had been opening the innings with Abhishek Sharma when Gill was away from the T20I side. But in the UAE match, he was placed in the middle order, demonstrating the adaptability of the team in deploying his skillset.
Discussing the development, experienced all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, commenting on his YouTube channel, guessed that Samson may still be promoted up the order if India lose an early wicket. Ashwin also shared a perceptive exchange of dialogue between Samson and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin informs that Gambhir vowed to support the Kerala batter that he would be part of the team, even going to the extent of claiming that he would still support Samson even if he got “21 ducks in a row.”
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“I am surprised, but happy and pleasantly surprised with the backing that Sanju is getting. The kind of care the coach and captain are taking of him, it’s amazing. Suryakumar said at the press conference that ‘we are looking after him’ and that is visible. If Sanju has to play, he has to be a powerplay enforcer. If a wicket falls in the powerplay, then Sanju goes in,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki baat’.
“This is project Sanju Samson. When I interviewed him, he revealed that Gautam Gambhir told him that even if he makes 21 ducks, he will be picked for the 22nd game. That is the confidence that the coach and Suryakumar have given him. It is clear that the team management believes in what Sanju Samson brings to the table. They are willing to do this sort of a thing to make a place for him. Amazing,” he added.
This support from the management indicates a huge vote of confidence in Samson’s ability as India search for momentum in the continental tournament.
