India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has assured that Sanju Samson remains a key part of the team, despite losing his opening spot to vice-captain Shubman Gill during the T20 Asia Cup 2025. Samson spent much of the tournament batting out of position, prompting questions about his role in the squad. Speaking on Vimal Kumar’s podcast, Suryakumar clarified that head coach Gautam Gambhir had already decided Samson would feature in the playing XI, irrespective of his batting order.

“With the addition of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma in the squad, everyone thought Jitesh would start over Sanju Samson. But Gauti bhai was clear from day one that Sanju should play, no matter which batting position he is in,” Suryakumar Yadav said.

Samson’s opportunities in the tournament were limited initially. He didn’t bat in the first two group-stage matches against UAE and Pakistan but came to the crease against Oman, scoring a composed half-century. In the Super Four clash against Pakistan, batting at No.5, he made 13 runs off 17 balls.

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Against Bangladesh, despite his prior century against them, Samson was sent in at No.8, with Axar Patel batting ahead of him. In the final group match against Sri Lanka, he contributed 39 runs from 23 balls, hitting three sixes in a vital cameo at No.5.

Suryakumar Yadav:

“With the addition of Shubman Gill & Jitesh Sharma in the squad, everyone thought Jitesh would start over Sanju Samson. But Gauti bhai was clear from day one that Sanju should play, no matter which batting position he’s in.”@GautamGambhir @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/vgDqfDdzaK

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) October 9, 2025

The Asia Cup final against Pakistan saw Samson walk in at No.5 with India struggling at 20/3 in a chase of 147. He scored 24 runs from 21 balls and stitched a crucial 57-run partnership with Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 69 from 53 deliveries.

“When you wear that Indian jersey, you cannot say no to anything. I have really worked very hard to wear that jersey and more importantly, to stay in their dressing room,” Sanju Samson said at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai.

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“I take a lot of pride in doing a job for my country. So even if they want to bat me at number 9 or bowl some left-arm spin, I think I am happy to do that. Whatever job for the country, I do not mind,” added the 30-year-old.

With the five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29, Samson’s role will be closely watched, especially as vice-captain Gill seeks to cement his opening position alongside Abhishek Sharma ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup at home.