Dubai (Sept 1, 2025): The Indian team’s net practice session in Dubai ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 sparked a big debate among fans. All eyes were on Sanju Samson, who seemed sidelined during batting drills despite his strong wicketkeeping effort.
Samson Shines in Wicketkeeping, But Left Out in Batting
At the ICC Cricket Academy, while most players warmed up, Sanju Samson trained intensely as a wicketkeeper with fielding coach D. Dilip. He impressed with a brilliant diving catch to his right.
Soon after, head coach Gautam Gambhir walked over and spoke to Samson for three minutes. Observers believe the conversation was more about batting than keeping.
But what happened next surprised everyone.
Jitesh Sharma Gets Priority in Nets
When batting practice started, the middle-order stars Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya got the first chance. Samson arrived with his gear, but he was not called to bat. Instead, he sat quietly near a tree and later on an ice box, watching others practice.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma batted multiple times. Still, Samson was ignored.
Only after everyone finished did Samson finally step into the nets. But by then, he struggled against the net bowlers, unable to middle the ball. Fans online reacted with frustration, saying this could be another sign that Samson may not feature in the Asia Cup playing XI.
Question:- Who will play, Jitesh or Sanju Samson ? Will Sanju get a chance in the playing 11 ?
Don’t worry about Sanju. We will take care of him.” Surya kumar Yadav skillfully avoided the question of playing XI.
Hope Sky will back him 🤞#SanjuSamson #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/qgws4JMG1u
— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) September 9, 2025
Suryakumar Yadav Responds to Samson’s Question
With speculation growing, reporters asked Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav about Samson’s future. His response was cautious but supportive:
“When the playing XI is announced, I will inform you who we have selected. But you don’t have to worry about Sanju Samson. We are taking good care of him. We will take the right decision tomorrow.”
Suryakumar also praised the UAE team, India’s first opponent on Wednesday, saying they have been performing strongly and cannot be underestimated.
The Bigger Picture
The Asia Cup 2025 begins today in Dubai and will run until September 28. India, led by Suryakumar with Shubman Gill as vice-captain, enters the tournament after a long break since the T20 World Cup win.
For Samson, however, his position looks uncertain. With Jitesh Sharma seemingly the preferred choice in the middle order, many fear that Samson might not get a single game in the tournament.
Fan Reaction
On social media, fans expressed disappointment, calling it “painful to see Samson sidelined again.” Some accused the management of unfair treatment, while others urged patience, saying Gambhir and Suryakumar may still give him a chance later in the tournament.