Sanju Samson has been in an outstanding form in the past few years in T20I. With 417 runs at an average of 37.90 and a strike rate of 183.70 in 12 games—including an incredible three hundreds—the stylish batter Sanju Samson has amassed the highest run total among wicketkeepers. Sanju Samson has also had outstanding results in T20 cricket overall over the past 12 months, scoring 739 runs at an average of 35.19 and strike rate of 161.70 in 23 games.
Jitesh Sharma was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title triumph earlier this year. Even while batting mostly in the lower order, the 31-year-old has scored nearly 400 runs in the past year, averaging 36 with a strike rate of 190.38. Jitesh had a fantastic IPL 2025 season, scoring 261 runs in 15 appearances at an average of 37.28 and a strike rate of 176.35.
Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma perform very different roles in the batting line-up. Sanju Samson is most effective at the top of the order, while Jitesh has built his reputation with lower-order heroics. Who gets the nod will depend on the team structure India prefers in their XI.
The return of Shubman Gill as vice-captain suggests he is almost a certain starter. If Gill plays, Samson’s place could come under threat, as India is unlikely to field all three of Abhishek Sharma, Gill, and Sanju Samson. Agarkar has already indicated that Abhishek, with his batting and the additional option he provides with the ball, is the first-choice opener. As a result, through no fault of his own, Sanju Samson may find himself on the bench, with India’s top six comprising Abhishek, Gill, Tilak, Suryakumar, Hardik, and Jitesh Sharma.
Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth reflects on the selection of two wicket keeper batters for India’s Asia Cup squad and said it is a wise decision by the management to do so.
Kris Srikkanth reflects on selection of two wicket keepers in form of Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma in Asia Cup 2025 squad
Former India opener and 1983 World Cup-winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth has come up with a quite different view for the team’s opening combination for the upcoming Asia Cup. The continental event is being held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. Srikkanth opined that India should not open with Sanju Samson.
He added that one between Sai Sudharsan or Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Yashasvi Jaiswal should open alongside Abhishek Sharma. For the wicketkeeper’s slot, he said that one between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma should be picked.
“I am not being biased against Sanju Samson. Tell me, when did he score those three hundreds? By that logic everybody will start playing. We have to look at the recent track record. In the IPL as well, he has not done anything great. He didn’t do well in the last five T20Is as well.” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’ as quoted by Sportskeeda.
“If the IPL performance is not considered, then what is the use of having IPL? I like Samson, but where will he play? Jitesh Sharma has to play as finisher. I am pro-Jitesh Sharma, not anti-Sanju Samson. On current form, Samson does not find a place in the team,” the 65-year-old went on to add.
Sanju Samson has delivered solid returns and found a new lease of life as an opener for Indian side alongside Abhishek. Since the last T20 World Cup, in 31 T20s and 30 innings, he has scored 908 runs at an average of 33.62, with a strike rate of 157.09, with three centuries and three fifties.
During a season marred due to injuries in IPL 2025, Sanju Samson played nine games scoring 285 runs at a strike rate of 140.39 with just one half century to his credit. As for Jitesh Sharma, he has hammered 261 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 176.35 in Royal Challengers Bengaluru triumphant campaign.
Sharing further thoughts on India’s Asia Cup 2025, Kris Srikkanth himself a former chief selector , questioned the move to include two wicket-keepers in the 15 man squad.Expressing surprise at the selection policy, he opined :
“Both Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma have been picked in the team. I am not for it. They should have picked only one keeper-batter in the 15-man squad. If there is an injury, they can easily send a replacement player through a flight. The event is in Dubai [UAE]. Having two keeper-batters is a luxury.”
Sanju Samson has played 42 T20Is and has scored 861 runs at a strike rate at of 152.38, with three hundreds and two fiftiesto his name. Jitesh Sharma has featured in 9 T20Is and has hit 100 runsat a strike rate of 147.05.With the Asia Cup serving as a starting point, India are set for a busy T20 schedule leading up to next year’s World Cup at home. They will play 15 more T20 internationals after the continental event.
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