Asia Cup 2025: India’s Playing XI Announced, Sanju Samson Dropped
Ajinkya Rahane shares his predicted Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025, leaving out Sanju Samson in a bold call.
India recently announced their Asia Cup 2025 squad, with Suryakumar Yadav returning as captain and Shubman Gill surprisingly named vice-captain.
The squad also features Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya, while Shreyas Iyer faced a shock omission.
Now, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has shared his preferred Playing XI, making a bold claim that Sanju Samson might not make the cut.
Rahane picked Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, leaving Samson out of his XI.
“Shubman is back in the team, and I’m sure he will most likely open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I’d like to see Sanju in the XI because he has done really well and is a great team man. But in my opinion, he might sit out,” Rahane said.
He slotted Tilak Varma at No.3, followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav at four, Hardik Pandya at five, and Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeeper.
For the bowling unit, Rahane picked Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as the pacers.
“We all know how dangerous Bumrah is. Arshdeep swings the ball both ways and can nail yorkers,” he added.
The final spot depends on pitch conditions in Dubai, with Varun Chakaravarthy or Harshit Rana in contention as the spinner/pace option.
Rahane’s Probable XI for Asia Cup 2025
- Shubman Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- All-rounder/extra batter
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakaravarthy / Harshit Rana
