Leave Sanju Samson Alone: Ravi Shastri Backs Samson as India’s T20I Opener

The countdown to India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener in Dubai has begun, and the focus has shifted to a big question: Should Sanju Samson remain in the XI is a questionable choice, or should Shubman Gill reclaim his spot as vice-captain? The cricketing world is buzzing, as Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, has backed Sanju Samson  by saying, “Leave Sanju Samson alone.“

 

Samson was also in the good books for being one of the most consistent top-order batters for India over the last year, with three T20I centuries to his name. While Gill’s return adds depth to India’s squad, Shastri firmly believes that it should be Samson opening with Abhishek Sharma.

Why “Leave Sanju Samson Alone” is the Talking Point

 

“Leave Sanju Samson alone” has quickly caught the imagination of fans and experts alike. Samson’s numbers at the top of the order seem very convincing:

 

• 522 runs from 17 innings at a strike rate of 178.76
• 3 centuries in a calendar year, including back-to-back ones against Bangladesh and South Africa
• Second behind Abhishek Sharma in strike rate among Indian openers

 

All these stats make it clear why Samson cannot just be a stopgap but a trusted top-order batter for India in T20Is.

Shubman Gill’s Return and the Selection Dilemma

 

The vice-captaincy comeback of Shubman Gill after a year has sparked more controversy. Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, stated that although Sanju was a makeshift opener, Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were tied up with their Test commitments.

 

Gill’s T20I record so far:

 

• 578 runs in 21 innings.
• 30.42 average, strike rate under 140.
• Anchoring but less explosive compared to Samson.

 

Gill is an incredibly naturally gifted top-order batsman; however, Shastri believes that adjusting his position to replace Samson would alter the entire balance.

Ravi Shastri’s Strong Words: Backing Samson

 

Shastri has backed Samson by saying, “Leave Sanju Samson alone”. He is under control, so leave it alone; he has found his groove and can do the work for India in the top three on the back of his own shoulders.

 

“Samson scores most runs in the top three; that’s where he wins matches; leave him there. Even Gill would find it hard to displace him.” – Ravi Shastri

 

This endorsement of a venerable name like Shastri makes Samson’s case even stronger.

Comparing the Numbers: Samson vs Gill

 

Player	Innings	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Centuries
Sanju Samson	17	522	34.8	178.76	3
Shubman Gill	21	578	30.42	139.5	1

Hence in T20Is, it’s Samson’s aggressive role that counts much more, and Gill’s talent is all about providing stability.

What This Means for India in the Asia Cup 2025

 

Ready for the biggest adventure:

 

• Abhishek Sharma explosive left-hander at the top. 
• Sanju Samson has undergone several tests as an opener and delivered three tons, proving goods.
• Gill’s the guy you want at one of the top spots; he can float at No. 3 or 4, and is also dependable.
• Suryakumar Yadav is a middle-order, match-winning batsman. 

 

The big message: Shastri’s advice wisdom of “leaving Sanju Samson alone,” could help India form consistency and confidence while heading into the Asia Cup opening partnership.

Fixtures to Watch – India in Asia Cup 2025

 

Date	Match	Venue	Time (UAE)
Sept 10	India vs UAE	Dubai	6.30 PM
Sept 14	India vs Pakistan	Dubai	6.30 PM
Sept 19	India vs Oman	Abu Dhabi	6.30 PM

 

Therefore, the blockbuster India vs Pakistan on September 14 will indeed test India’s opening pair.

Why Samson Should Open in the Asia Cup

• Proven against the best bowling attacks.
• Dominate the fast and spin alike. 
• Debuted in 2015 and is among the senior-most squad members in India.
• Big-match temperament with high strike-rate consistency.

 

With a view to the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, grooming Samson could be a very smart long-term decision in having him as a permanent opener.

Conclusion

 

The buzz around the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025 attests to the depths of talent available. But, as Ravi Shastri rightly put it, “leave Sanju Samson alone.” For none can be compared with the record, current form, and match-winning ability as his is for India’s opener. Undoubtedly, Gill has done very well to get back, but India might benefit by slotting him somewhere else in the top order rather than disturbing the flow for Samson.

Catch all the real-time Asia Cup 2025 highlights on Winexch, your ultimate destination for match insights and much more. 

FAQs

 

Q1: Why is “leave Sanju Samson alone” trending in cricket discussions?

It refers to Ravi Shastri’s statement endorsing that Sanju Samson should play as an opener in India’s T20I squad without being disturbed. 

 

Q2: How has Sanju Samson performed as an opener?

Samson has scored 522 runs from 17 innings with a strike rate of 178.76, of which he has hit three centuries this year.

 

Q3: Who can come in place of Sanju Samson if not Shubman Gill?

Gill can accommodate either of the numbers 3 or 4, giving the Indian top order much more solidity without the replacement of Samson.

 

Q4: What are the strengths of Sanju Samson as a batter?

He plays pace and spin equally well, strikes sixes with ease, and has one of the best strike rates among Indian openers.

 

Q5: When is India’s first match in the Asia Cup 2025?

India would begin their campaign against the UAE on 10th September in Dubai.