'Jitesh Sharma won't be there': Irfan Pathan explains how Sanju Samson can find room in Asia Cup XI

Sanju Samson’s place in India’s Asia Cup 2025 playing XI remains uncertain despite his strong domestic form, with former all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighing in on the debate. Samson, who has been in explosive form in the Kerala Cricket League with 368 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 186.80, is now facing a tough selection battle following Shubman Gill’s return. Gill, named vice-captain for the tournament, is expected to slot back into the top order, which could leave Samson competing for a middle-order berth. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier clarified that Samson opened in recent T20Is only because Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were engaged in other formats. With Gill back, the competition has intensified. Pathan, speaking in an interaction held by Sony Sports Network, admitted it will not be easy for Samson to make the XI but highlighted a potential solution. “Sanju might not get a place in the Playing XI, it will be hard. But I saw some of the clips where Samson is playing down the order. If he can play down the order, then why not? Play Samson as well in No.5 position. If that happens, then Jitesh Sharma won't be there,” he said. Samson’s adaptability was on show earlier this month as he opened and also batted at No.6 for Kochi Blue Tigers, registering centuries and fifties before leaving for national duty. However, Pathan stressed that Samson’s inconsistency remains a concern at the international level. “It’s a tough one, isn’t it? If you look at it, Sanju has done really well. Obviously there is one question mark in terms of his consistency, like sometimes he is scoring hundreds, other times he is getting out cheaply, and there is a pattern as well, but he has done well,” Pathan explained. He further underlined Abhishek Sharma’s utility in the XI, given his batting strike rate and ability to bowl. “Abhishek Sharma, because he can bowl as well, and he has got an outstanding strike rate, he will be there for sure, that is No.1,” Pathan said.