Asia Cup 2025: Ajinkya Rahane Predicts India’s Playing XI, Says “Sanju Samson Will Sit Out”

India announced their Asia Cup 2025 squad earlier this week with Suryakumar Yadav returning as captain and Shubman Gill surprisingly named as vice-captain. The selection also included Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya, while Shreyas Iyer faced a shock omission despite strong recent performances.

Now, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has shared his preferred Playing XI, making a bold claim that Sanju Samson might not make the cut.

Rahane’s Predicted India XI for Asia Cup 2025

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane picked Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as openers, leaving Sanju Samson out of his XI.

“Shubman is back in the team, and I’m sure he will most likely open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I’d like to see Sanju in the XI because he has done really well and is a great team man. But in my opinion, he might sit out,” Rahane said.

Samson has been in terrific form in T20Is, scoring three centuries in 2024—111 against Bangladesh, followed by 107 and 109* against South Africa.

Middle Order & Bowling Choices

Rahane slotted Tilak Varma at No.3, followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav (4), Hardik Pandya (5), and Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeeper.

For the bowling unit, he chose Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh as the pacers, praising their partnership.

“We all know how dangerous Bumrah is. Arshdeep swings the ball both ways and can nail yorkers,” Rahane added.

As for the final spot, he kept it flexible:

Varun Chakaravarthy or Harshit Rana, depending on Dubai’s pitch conditions.

Rahane’s Probable XI for Asia Cup 2025

Shubman Gill

Abhishek Sharma

Tilak Varma

Suryakumar Yadav (c)

Hardik Pandya

Jitesh Sharma (wk)

All-rounder/extra batter

Jasprit Bumrah

Arshdeep Singh

Varun Chakaravarthy / Harshit Rana

Spinner/pace option (depending on pitch)