Asia Cup: Ex-India selector makes a bold comment on Indian star – ‘He could never be constant, even in the IPL’ | Cricket News – Times of India

New Delhi: RR’s Sanju Samson reacts after dropping his wicket throughout the IPL 2025 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav)

Shubman Gill’s choice as vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE has created uncertainty round Sanju Samson’s place in India’s T20 group, regardless of his inclusion in the squad. The announcement by choice committee chairman Ajit Agarkar has sparked discussions about the potential taking part in XI, with hypothesis about Gill partnering with Abhishek Sharma as opener in India’s first match in opposition to Oman.Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the choice considerations, stating: “The captain-coach will take the call on the best balance for the team. Once we get to Dubai, we will have a bit more clarity. With more options available now, Shubman has been in great form for the last few months. So has Sanju, so two good options, along with Abhishek.”

Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed robust assist for Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion. “Post the last T20WC, we spoke a lot on how to go about it. We spoke about let’s not think of milestones ahead, follow your journey. Been a completely different cricketer post that. The way he performed in the IPL and domestic tournaments he played, he’s done really well, has earned his spot again,” mentioned Surya.The closing group composition and taking part in XI choices will be made as soon as the group reaches Dubai, the place they may have higher readability about the situations and group steadiness.The order in which Agarkar introduced the squad names has fueled hypothesis, as he talked about Gill and Jitesh Sharma earlier than itemizing Samson and Rinku Singh at the finish.

“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,” former India selector Devang Gandhi told TOI. Gandhi believes the Asia Cup is still a golden opportunity for Samson to seal his spot. “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,” Gandhi mentioned.“This choice committee and group administration has proven nice foresight in appointing Gill as the captain. When we discuss Pant, he too never bought T20 video games at a stretch. He has at all times needed to change codecs. “Yet, he is technically very strong to bail the team out of tough situations. Samson has a great opportunity here if he shows the willingness to be flexible and cash in lower down the order,” he added.