Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson might find it tough to get a spot in the playing XI during the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. His place at the top of the order is threatened by Shubman Gill’s return to the T20I side as vice-captain as well. Moreover, stunning opener Abhishek Sharma has retained his place in the T20I squad, while Shubman Gill is also set for a long run in the T20 format now.
“Sanju might not get a place in the playing XI, it will be hard. But, I saw some of the clips where Samson is trying 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,” Irfan Pathan said in a special interaction organized by Sony Sports Network.
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“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. 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,” he further added.
Irfan Pathan also said how leadership in transition is a very important element in a team’s success, and he also believes that Shubman Gill’s recent appointment will not put any pressure on Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.
“This selection of Gill as the vice-captain without the consent of Suryakumar Yadav, would not have happened. So, his consent is there. That means Surya knows as well. As much as I know Surya, he knows that he is captain, he knows that he is 34, his responsibility is to not only perform, not only to look after the team, but also at the same time to build a leadership group, and I think he has started that,” Irfan Pathan said. “People might think Gill coming in as vice-captain would put pressure on Surya, but what he is doing, is for the long term. I don’t think any insecurity is there, I read some reports, but I don’t think that is true,” Irfan Pathan concluded.
