India’s 15-man squad for the 2025 Asia Cup has raised discussions, especially regarding the best possible playing XI combination. Among the key talking points is the role and batting position of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a strong run as an opener in India’s recent bilateral T20I series, smashing three centuries in just five innings. His partnership with Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order has been particularly impressive, often giving India flying starts. Samson’s ability to take on bowlers early made him a standout choice in those games.

However, the equation has now changed. A string of modest scores in his last five T20I appearances has raised concerns about his consistency. Adding to the selection dilemma is the return of Shubman Gill, who is also in contention for the opening slot. This development puts Samson’s position under serious scrutiny ahead of the Asia Cup.

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Reasons Why India Considers Samson as a Finisher:

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar recently suggested that Sanju Samson should remain part of India’s playing XI, but in a different capacity — as a finisher. With the Asia Cup 2025 approaching, this role could maximize his explosive batting skills. Here, we outline three reasons why Team India should consider Samson as their designated finisher.

• Sanju Samson’s strong batting against spin may prove crucial versus Asia Cup rivals

Choosing the right playing XI usually depends on the opponent and match conditions. With the Asia Cup set in the UAE, pitches are expected to favour spin. Teams will likely load their squads with three or more spinners to adapt to the conditions and maximize their chances in the tournament.

In tournaments like the Asia Cup, middle and lower-order batters play a crucial role in tackling spin-heavy attacks. Having a player who can rotate strike and also counterattack spinners becomes extremely valuable in such conditions. Sanju Samson fits the bill perfectly, making him a strong candidate for the No. 5 or 6 spot.

His numbers reflect his consistency and dominance against spin bowling. Over the last three IPL seasons, Samson has averaged 48.90 with an impressive strike rate of 150 against spinners. Similarly, in T20Is since 2023, he has maintained an average of 36.50, striking at over 187 in 117 deliveries. These stats highlight his effectiveness in dismantling spin, a skill India could heavily rely on.

Given the nature of UAE pitches, it is likely that teams will turn to spin bowlers even in the final overs. In such scenarios, India would benefit from Sanju Samson’s ability to counter spinners effectively. His attacking approach makes him a stronger finishing option compared to others when facing spin in the death overs.

• Using Samson as finisher allows India to unleash their strongest bowling unit

Since Gautam Gambhir became head coach, Team India has often emphasized batting depth ahead of specialist roles. While this strategy has produced positive results on multiple occasions, it also carries risks. On challenging days, the absence of specialists could expose vulnerabilities, making it crucial to strike the right balance between reliable batting depth and a strong bowling attack.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad boasts four top-tier bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav. However, their limited batting skills leave the team management considering balance issues, often forcing a trade-off for an all-rounder.

Placing Sanju Samson in the lower-middle order solves this challenge. Unlike role-specific hitters such as Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, or Jitesh Sharma, Samson offers versatility. He can adapt to different match situations, switch gears as required, and build longer innings when necessary. This flexibility provides India with the assurance of a solid batting option while maintaining their strong bowling attack.

If Samson slots in at No. 5 or 6, India can confidently field their four strongest bowlers without the concern of a fragile tail. His presence adds depth and stability, ensuring the team doesn’t compromise on batting strength while maintaining a full-strength bowling attack.

• Proven experience and strong finishing record in recent death overs

Unlike bilateral T20I series, the Asia Cup will feature high-stakes knockout-style games where experience and composure in pressure situations could prove decisive. In such scenarios, the ability to handle crunch moments becomes a crucial factor for selection.

While Jitesh Sharma impressed in RCB’s IPL 2025 title win, his international exposure remains limited with just nine T20Is. On the other hand, Sanju Samson brings the advantage of 42 T20I appearances, providing greater reliability. Since 2023, he has thrived in death overs across both IPL and internationals, consistently delivering impactful knocks, which strengthens his case as India’s more trusted finisher.

During this phase, Sanju Samson has accumulated 203 runs from just 110 balls, maintaining an impressive average of 40.50 with a strike rate above 184 in the crucial overs 16 to 20. In the Kerala Cricket League, he has been outstanding, scoring at an average of 73.60 with a blazing strike rate of 186.80 in six matches.

What makes Samson stand out is his versatility in finding boundaries against both pace and spin. With his wide shot range and powerful striking, he appears to be a reliable option to handle India’s finishing duties in the 2025 Asia Cup.