Asia Cup: Former cricketer leaves out Sanju Samson in his playing XI, 'can't find a place for him because...'

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra revealed his playing XI for India ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Interestingly, he left out Sanju Samson from the team. The wicket-keeper batter has played some amazing knocks in the past but due to Shubman Gill's inclusion in the team, Samson's place is in danger. 

Moreover, he has included Shivam Dube in the team. Dube is a left-handed batter and it will be important for the management to give him a place in the team. Moreover, he is an excellent batter and a good striker of the ball. So having around might help the team in crucials. 

"I will start with Abhishek Sharma. Shubman Gill will be there with him. I can't find a place for Sanju Samson because Shubman Gill is the vice-captain. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma at No. 3 and No. 4, whichever way you wish. Then Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma, followed by Shivam Dube. If I need a left-hander, I will promote Shivam and move Jitesh down," said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel. 

"After that, Axar Patel at No. 8. If there is an unlikely collapse, he can bat up the order. He can also bowl with the new ball in the powerplay if required. After that, Varun Chakaravarthy has a place in my team. I am playing two fast bowlers, one is Jasprit Bumrah and the other is Arshdeep Singh. This is my ideal XI," he added.

Aakash Chopra also heaped praises on the team's fitness and the discipline they have as of now. All the players have cleared the Yo-Yo and the newly added Bronco Test to measure the fitness of them. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, there will be many questions going around in everyone's mind, especially with the team selection. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the management takes calls on the players.