Former India off-spinner turned analyst R Ashwin expressed pleasant surprise at India’s decision to pick Sanju Samson in the playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE on Wednesday, September 10 as well. Praising coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, he added that the present team management seems to have a lot of faith in Samson.

Speaking on Ash ki Baat, R Ashwin stated: “I am surprised, but happy and pleasantly surprised with the backing that Sanju is getting. The kind of care the coach and captain are taking of him, it’s amazing. Suryakumar said at the press conference that ‘we are looking after him’ and that is visible. If Sanju has to play, he has to be a powerplay enforcer. If a wicket falls in the powerplay, then Sanju goes in.”

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“This is project Sanju Samson. When I interviewed him, he revealed that Gautam Gambhir told him that even if he makes 21 ducks, he will be picked for the 22nd game. That is the confidence that the coach and Suryakumar have given him. It is clear that the team management believes in what Sanju Samson brings to the table. They are willing to do this sort of a thing to make a place for him. Amazing,” he concluded.

However, Team India started with a comfortable win over UAE in their Asia Cup 2025 campaign as well.