It’s official. India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is out, and just like that, the drums of debate have started beating. The big news? Shubman Gill has been named Asia Cup 2025 India vice captain. Exciting for him, yes. But for fans of Sanju Samson, it’s a worrying sign. With Gill walking straight back into the XI, there’s now serious talk of Sanju Samson to be left out of the playing side. Could this be another tournament where Samson warms the bench?

Gill’s Promotion：Threat to Samson’s Opening Slot

Now, let’s break this down a bit. Shubman Gill being made Asia Cup 2025 India vice captain pretty much guarantees one thing. He’s not just in the squad, he’s starting. And where do vice-captains usually bat? Gill will likely open. Problem is, India already had an opening duo that was working pretty well: Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. But with Gill coming in, only one of them can stick. And sadly, the chatter is that it’s likely Sanju Samson to be left out.

Abhishek brings a left-handed option, power-hitting, and some bowling. Gill brings calm consistency. And Samson? Well, he’s a classy batter but his best numbers come only when he opens. Some might suggest demoting Samson to No. 3. But here’s the catch, Tilak Varma owns that spot right now. Just look at this:

Based on that, if Gill and Abhishek open, and Tilak is at 3, there’s really no room up top for Samson.

Related Article：India Vice-Captain for Asia Cup 2025：Breaking Down the Leading Contenders

What About the Rest of the Squad?

It’s not just about Samson. This entire squad selection feels like the BCCI and selectors are gearing up for clarity before the T20 World Cup next year. Besides making Gill the Asia Cup 2025 India vice captain, the selectors have gone for a pretty balanced squad with power-hitters, all-rounders, and a solid bowling unit. Here’s what the core India playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 might look like:

The focus seems to be on players who can offer multiple skills. That’s where someone like Jitesh Sharma becomes valuable. He can keep wickets and finish games, something Samson hasn’t really done consistently. Let’s compare Samson and Jitesh in IPL 2025:

Jitesh fits perfectly as a finisher, especially if India wants to stack up with three all-rounders and not compromise on power late in the innings.

What Does This Means for Samson?

Let’s be honest, Sanju Samson to be left out of the playing XI isn’t just a possibility, it’s starting to feel like a pattern. He’s talented, has had his moments, but keeps finding himself edged out, either by a new star (Tilak, Jitesh) or a returning one (Gill). In a format where roles are becoming more defined like finishers, floating batters, and utility bowlers, Samson’s role remains vague. He’s not yet nailed down a finishing spot, and when pushed out of the top order, his numbers just don’t back him up.

Kar har maidaan fateh, Sanju Samson! 💪🇮🇳🔥 pic.twitter.com/bh5PU0XGc2

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 19, 2025

The bigger blow? Being left out despite being in the squad. That kind of limbo is never good for a player’s mindset. Still, all is not lost. Injuries, rotation, or a couple of underwhelming knocks from others could give him an opening. And when that happens, he has to make it count.

Final Thoughts

So, is this the end of the road for Samson in the T20I setup? Not quite. But let’s just say the road ahead is very narrow. With Gill confirmed as Asia Cup 2025 India vice captain, and others like Jitesh and Tilak stepping up, the chances of Sanju Samson to be left out from the India playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 look high. Still, one great innings can change everything. And Samson’s fans know, he’s got it in him.

India Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh