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Team India, fresh off a dominant win against UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 opener, is keenly observing Afghanistan, a formidable T20 opponent. Key players like Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya were seen analyzing Afghanistan's net practice, focusing on their explosive batting and diverse bowling attack.

With Shubman Gill returning as T20I vice-captain, the management is certain to prefer a Gill - Abhishek Sharma opening combination. In that case, Sanju Samson may have to give up his opening role. But is that the right call? Or should the management continue with the Samson - Abhishek pairing?

Suryakumar Yadav spoke about the selection dilemma between Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson for the upcoming Asia Cup match against UAE. Sanju Samson's recent form, including centuries in South Africa, is under consideration. Shubman Gill's return and the potential opening combination with Abhishek Sharma also influence the decision. MSK Prasad suggests Sanju at number 3 for ideal balance.

Jitesh Sharma is likely to be picked over Sanju Samson for India's opening fixture in the Asia Cup 2025 against the UAE as Shubman Gill will return to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.

India enter the Asia Cup 2025 as defending champions, combining youth and experience. With Shubman Gill back in the squad, Jasprit Bumrah's expertise, and Arshdeep Singh's rise, the Men in Blue aim to fine-tune a team for the next era of T20 cricket.

Despite Sanju Samson's impressive domestic form in the Kerala Cricket League, his place in India's Asia Cup 2025 playing XI is uncertain due to Shubman Gill's return. Irfan Pathan suggests Samson could potentially replacing Jitesh Sharma, but highlighted that he needs to play lower down the batting order to do so.

Jitesh Sharma's dream of lifting the IPL trophy alongside Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik materialized after RCB's victory. His impactful performance, particularly his impressive strike rate while batting in the lower order, earned him a spot in India's Asia Cup squad. Despite Kohli's desire to see Jitesh's fun side, Jitesh maintained a respectful distance due to his small-town upbringing.

Jitesh Sharma scored only 261 runs in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) title-winning season, but it was not the runs that caught the selectors’ eyes, it was his 176.35 strike rate while batting at 6 and 7. Jitesh, who never had a coach, learnt cricket by watching YouTube videos of his childhood heroes Adam Gilchrist and Sourav Ganguly. Making a comeback into the Indian team at the age of 31 is as breathtaking as his cricketing sojourn.

Dinesh Karthik praises Jitesh Sharma's mindset regarding national team selection. Karthik helped Jitesh refine his finishing skills while at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jitesh's IPL 2025 performance earned him a spot back on the Indian squad. He aims to solidify his position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Sanju Samson is currently the preferred wicketkeeper.

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, debate intensifies over India's wicketkeeper. Aakash Chopra favors Sanju Samson, citing his impressive top-order T20 record with over 6,000 runs at a 140 strike rate. Samson's recent explosive form, including centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa, strengthens his case.

Former India batter Dinesh Karthik has praised Jitesh Sharma for making his comeback into the Indian team and revealed that he was never too desperate to play for the country.

Sanju Samson's explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League, marked by three consecutive fifties, has reignited discussions about his place in India's Asia Cup squad. His adaptability and attacking prowess, showcased by a blistering 121 and consistent scoring, have impressed many.

Wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma, after a period of self-reflection following his initial T20I appearances, has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team. His resurgence was fueled by a strong IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he showcased his finishing abilities and even captained the team in Rajat Patidar's absence.

Mohammad Kaif has said it will be tough for Sanju Samson to secure a spot in India's playing XI for the Asia Cup. Kaif believes Shubman Gill, who is now the vice-captain, will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma.