The veteran batter feels Shubman Gill, who has been named vice-captain for Asia Cup 2025 after returning to the T20I setup following more than a year, is likely to replace Samson at the top of the order.
In India’s last T20I series against England earlier this year, Abhishek Sharma and Samson opened the batting. While Abhishek has firmly established himself with an aggressive approach, Samson too impressed last year with three centuries. However, Rahane suggested that Shubman Gill return might push him out of the XI.
Ajinkya Rahane Predicts Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to Open for India
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane suggested that Shubman Gill is highly likely to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma during the Asia Cup 2025. He also indicated that Sanju Samson might miss out on the playing XI following Shubman Gill return to the T20I side.
“Shubman Gill is back in the team, and I’m confident he will open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would love to see Sanju Samson play because he has been in great form—very confident and an excellent team player. That’s very important,” Rahane said.
“Sanju is a fantastic team man, but this is a good problem for team management to have. In my view, Sanju might have to sit out, although I would like him to be part of the playing XI. But most likely, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings for India,” he added.
Samson, however, has scored only 51 runs in his last five T20I matches. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will captain India in Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Blue will kick off the tournament against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10. India is in Group A alongside Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
