Will Sanju Samson find a place in India’s playing XI against UAE in Asia Cup 2025?

Sanju Samson faces a selection dilemma as India prepare to face UAE. Will his recent form and versatility earn him a spot in the playing XI?

Sanju Samson (Image Credit: BCCI)

As India gear up to face UAE in their upcoming clash, the question of Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI is gathering momentum. The wicketkeeper-batter has long been in the spotlight for his undeniable talent, yet his position in the side has often been uncertain. With India rotating their squad and experimenting with combinations ahead of bigger challenges, Samson’s chances of getting a game look promising, but not guaranteed.

Samson’s versatility has always been one of his biggest assets. He can bat anywhere in the middle order and also offers the flexibility of keeping wickets if required. With India already having options like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul in the mix, the competition for a wicketkeeper-batter slot is intense.

However, Samson’s attacking strokeplay, particularly against spinners, makes him a useful option in subcontinental conditions. Against a team like UAE, where India might test their bench strength, Samson could be given the nod to prove his consistency.

Recent performances also make his case stronger. Samson has shown flashes of brilliance in white-ball cricket, playing impactful knocks whenever he has been given opportunities. His ability to accelerate the innings during the middle overs and shift gears quickly in the death overs is something India might want to utilize. Moreover, against associate teams, management often experiments with players on the fringes, which could work in his favor.

On the flip side, India’s top order is packed with regulars like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, leaving limited slots available in the middle order. If the team decides to stick with proven combinations for the sake of continuity, Samson might again be the unlucky one to miss out. With limited opportunities, he faces the constant challenge of making each game count, which adds pressure whenever he is picked.

Ultimately, the decision may rest on India’s approach to the UAE fixture. If the management treats it as a chance to give bench players exposure, Samson is highly likely to feature in the XI. If, however, they stick to their strongest lineup, his wait might continue. What remains certain is that every game is crucial for Samson’s international career, and whenever he gets the chance, he must make it count to secure a longer run.

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