Sanju Samson has 'obvious issues with...'; set for Asia Cup heartbreak after Shubman Gill's return: 'He struggled to...'

By Admin

22 Aug, 2025

The return of Shubman Gill to India’s T20I squad has put Sanju Samson’s Asia Cup chances in serious doubt. Samson, who was expected to be a part of India’s opening pair alongside Abhishek Sharma, may no longer be an automatic pick after Ajit Agarkar, BCCI’s chairman of selectors, confirmed Gill’s selection as vice-captain in the 15-member squad. With Gill set to partner Abhishek at the top, Samson, unfortunately, finds himself pushed down the pecking order.

Gill’s Comeback and Samson’s Misfortune

Gill’s inclusion was unexpected, as many believed he would need more time before returning to the T20I fold. Instead, his appointment as vice-captain makes it impossible to bench him, sealing Samson’s likely exclusion from India’s first-choice XI. Though Samson remains in the squad, Jitesh Sharma is expected to be the designated wicketkeeper in Rishabh Pant’s absence, further limiting Samson’s role.

Samson’s Incomplete Journey

Samson made his India debut back in 2015, yet after nearly a decade, he has not been able to cement his place in the national side. Despite his IPL exploits and flashes of brilliance in T20Is, inconsistency has been his biggest hurdle. His record as an opener is stronger, with 522 runs from 17 innings in 2024, including three centuries and a rare feat of back-to-back T20I hundreds. But his middle-order numbers – 339 runs from 21 innings – paint a different story.

Former selector Devang Gandhi believes Samson’s struggles stem from deeper issues. “You can’t ignore the talent Samson has. But he is already close to 31. If he couldn’t seal his place, it’s because he could never be consistent, even in the IPL. There are obvious issues with him playing the heavy ball,” Gandhi told The Times of India.

The Short-Ball Challenge

England’s T20I series against India earlier this year exposed Samson’s weakness against the short ball. The pace and bounce unsettled him, overshadowing his otherwise impressive 2024 numbers. This flaw could explain why selectors have remained hesitant to back him as India’s frontline opener despite his remarkable stats.

A Ray of Hope

Interestingly, Gautam Gambhir, India’s current head coach, had assured Samson in a conversation that he would be backed regardless of form – even jokingly saying he wouldn’t be dropped “after 21 ducks in a row.” Yet, with Gill’s return and Jitesh’s rise, the ground realities have shifted quickly.

Still, Gandhi insists that Samson’s journey is far from over. “He probably fell behind because he struggled to play the pace of England’s bowling attack at home. But if he can show he is flexible enough, he can finally seal his spot,” he added.

What Lies Ahead?

Samson’s Asia Cup prospects look bleak, but his career is not at a dead end. The selectors acknowledge his talent, and opportunities will come again if he can address his weaknesses and maintain consistency. The real question now is: how many more chances will he get before time runs out?

For fans, the situation is bittersweet. On one hand, India gains the stability of Gill’s return; on the other, Samson’s long wait for permanence in the team continues, making his story one of Indian cricket’s most frustrating “what-ifs.”