2 days ago

Shastri Backs Samson as Opener for Asia Cup, Suggests Gill Find Another Slot

Sanju Samson

Batter

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes Sanju Samson should open for India in the Asia Cup 2025.

Shastri argues Samson's strong T20I opening record, including three centuries, warrants his place at the top.

He suggests Shubman Gill, despite being vice-captain, could be accommodated elsewhere in the top order.

This comes after chief selector Ajit Agarkar indicated Samson's opening role was temporary.

Shastri Backs Samson as Opener for Asia Cup, Suggests Gill Find Another Slot image

““He [Samson] is most dangerous in the top three. That’s where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It [replacing Samson for Gill] won’t be that easy. Samson has a strong record for India at the top in T20s. Even Gill will find it tough to displace him. Gill may come in for someone else, but Samson should be left alone as opener,””

IPL Career Century Makers Leaders | Batting Rankings

Leading century makers scorers in IPL Career (batting specialists only: batters/all-rounders/wicketkeepers)

Rank	Player	Team	century-makers
#1	Virat Kohli	RCB	8 centuries
#2	Jos Buttler	GT	7 centuries
#3	KL Rahul	DC	5 centuries
#4	Shubman Gill	GT	4 centuries
#5	Sanju Samson	RR	3 centuries

IPL Career Most Sixes Leaders | Batting Rankings

Leading most sixes scorers in IPL Career (batting specialists only: batters/all-rounders/wicketkeepers)

Rank	Player	Team	six-hitters
#1	Rohit Sharma	MI	302 sixes
#2	Virat Kohli	RCB	291 sixes
#3	MS Dhoni	CSK	264 sixes
#4	Andre Russell	KKR	223 sixes
#5	Sanju Samson	RR	219 sixes

Shastri Backs Samson as Opener for Asia Cup, Suggests Gill Find Another Slot

Related Statistics

IPL Career Century Makers Leaders | Batting Rankings

IPL Career Most Sixes Leaders | Batting Rankings