Indian cricket is no stranger to selection dilemmas, especially when it comes to choosing between a pool of talented batters. The latest debate has been ignited by veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who feels that Sanju Samson’s spot in India’s T20I XI could be in jeopardy following the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, analyzed the implications of Gill’s promotion and suggested that the move may edge Samson out of the playing XI, particularly in the opener’s role.
Samson vs Gill – The Opening Conundrum
In recent months, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have been India’s go-to pair at the top in T20Is. Their aggressive approach has given India brisk starts, and Samson, in particular, has been praised for finally finding consistency in international cricket.
However, with Gill now back in the squad and entrusted with vice-captaincy responsibilities, Ashwin believes the selectors have already indicated who their preferred opener will be.
“What is sadder is that you have announced Gill as the vice-captain, so Sanju Samson’s place is also under threat. Sanju is not going to play. Shubman Gill will play, and he will open the batting,” Ashwin remarked.
Ashwin acknowledged Gill’s credentials—pointing out his prolific run-scoring for Gujarat Titans in the IPL and his ability to anchor innings. Yet, his comments highlight the harsh reality of India’s bench strength: even in-form players can find themselves sidelined due to the emergence of other stars.
Shubman Gill – The Future Leader?
At just 25, Shubman Gill has already established himself as one of India’s most dependable batters across formats. His classical stroke play and consistency have drawn comparisons with some of India’s batting greats. Naming him as vice-captain for the Asia Cup signals the selectors’ faith in him not just as a player, but as a potential future leader.
Ashwin hinted at this long-term vision, suggesting that Gill could even be groomed as an all-format captain in the years to come.
“Maybe they are thinking of Shubman Gill as the leader for the future. Maybe he can be the all-format captain. But it is not necessary to have the same captain in all formats,” Ashwin said.
This is a critical point—while many cricket boards are moving towards split captaincy to manage workloads and maintain balance, India has often leaned towards continuity across formats. Gill’s elevation, therefore, could signal a new leadership roadmap.
The Case for Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson’s career has been a rollercoaster. Despite his immense talent, he has often struggled to cement a permanent spot in India’s XI, primarily due to inconsistency and stiff competition. However, over the past year, Samson has shown maturity and delivered impactful performances in T20Is.
His aggressive yet calculated batting at the top has complemented Abhishek Sharma’s explosive style, making them a reliable pair. Dropping Samson, especially after finding rhythm in international cricket, could risk denting his confidence once again.
For many fans and experts, this scenario feels like déjà vu—Samson being overlooked despite strong performances.
Ashwin’s Sympathy for Selectors
While voicing his disappointment for Samson, Ashwin also empathized with the selectors’ difficult role.
“See, I understand that selection is a thankless job. Leaving somebody out, telling someone they are dropped, it is not an easy thing. You have to speak to the players, you have to go through the sadness,” he noted.
Ashwin’s comments underline the human side of cricket selection. Beyond numbers and strategies, every decision affects careers, aspirations, and morale. The exclusion of players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, too, has stirred debates about fairness and communication in team management.
The Jaiswal and Iyer Factor
Ashwin also highlighted the cases of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom missed out on the Asia Cup squad.
Yashasvi Jaiswal had an impressive 2024 T20 World Cup, playing as India’s third opener. His ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay made him a key asset. Ashwin expressed disappointment at his omission, considering his consistent form.
Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, has been a reliable middle-order option. Leaving him out, according to Ashwin, seemed harsh, especially since he has been an integral part of India’s ODI and T20I setup in recent years.
“When you have Yashasvi Jaiswal as the third opener in the T20 World Cup 2024, to remove someone from the World Cup squad and bring in Shubman Gill… I’m very sad for both Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. It is just not fair to these two kids,” Ashwin lamented.
His words reflect the broader frustration among fans and analysts who feel that sudden changes often come at the expense of deserving youngsters.
Balancing Experience and Opportunity
The dilemma the Indian selectors face is not unique—many top cricketing nations grapple with balancing established stars and emerging talent. India’s depth in batting means that even world-class players face fierce competition for spots.
In this context, Gill’s promotion makes strategic sense. He brings leadership potential and consistency. Yet, the timing of his elevation—just months after Samson and Jaiswal had begun to establish themselves—raises questions about India’s long-term vision.
The Bigger Picture: Asia Cup and Beyond
The 2025 Asia Cup is not just another tournament—it serves as a key preparatory event ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The choices made now will shape India’s core squad for global tournaments.
If Gill opens, as Ashwin predicts, the management will need to decide whether Samson shifts to the middle order or sits out. Either way, it’s a tough call, as India risks losing the attacking balance Samson has recently brought to the side.
On the other hand, if Gill delivers as both a batter and vice-captain, it could justify the selectors’ bold decision and cement his place as a central figure in India’s cricketing future.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s candid remarks on Sanju Samson’s uncertain future reflect the ongoing challenges of team selection in Indian cricket. With Shubman Gill appointed as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, it seems likely that he will take up the opener’s role—potentially sidelining Samson despite his recent form.
While Ashwin empathized with the selectors, he also expressed sadness for Samson, Jaiswal, and Iyer, whose careers are caught in the crossfire of India’s immense bench strength and long-term planning.
Ultimately, this debate underscores both the privilege and the curse of Indian cricket’s depth: having too many talented players often means some deserving names miss out. For Samson, the challenge will be to keep proving his worth, while for Gill, the responsibility now is to justify the faith placed in him—not just as a batter, but as a leader of the future.
