Credit: BCCI
Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri wants Sanju Samson to open innings for the reigning champions in the Asia Cup 2025 to be played from September 9. After the inclusion of Shubman Gill as vice-captain in the 15-member squad for the continental tournament, there is uncertainty regarding Samson’s position as an opener in the side. There are speculations that Gill and Abhishek Sharma have played a lot of cricket together for Punjab and noting their equation, they might be given the task to open the innings together in the marquee event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, Shastri feels Samson should be given the chance to open with Abhishek as the former has power-hitting potential which can help India prevail in games. “Samson is at his most dangerous at the top. If he fires in any innings, he wins you matches. He is best left alone at the top,” said Shastri during a virtual media interaction. Samson’s record is superb as an opener. Appearing in 17 matches in the top two positions, he has accumulated 522 runs with three centuries and a fifty.
Ravi Shastri expressed his opinion on Shubman Gill’s chances of becoming India captain in all formats
During the virtual interaction, Shastri was also asked about his views on Gill becoming all-format skipper for India in the future. The 26-year-old has been appointed Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy for the Asia Cup 2025 which clearly indicates that the board is groping the youngster for the leadership role in all forms of the game.
Shastri feels if Gill proves himself in all three formats, no one can stop him from being at the helm. “If a player can ensure he is in the XI and become a vital cog in all formats, then by all means. If someone is good enough, there is nothing that stops one man from leading in all formats,” added the ex-India coach.
