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The selection of both Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma in India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has sparked a heated debate, reigniting the team’s long-standing middle-order puzzle. With contrasting skill sets and equally explosive recent performances, their inclusion poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the team management.
Sanju Samson’s century surge: A case for the top order
Samson arrives at the Asia Cup in red-hot form, riding on a blistering 42-ball century in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025. His ability to dismantle attacks is no longer in doubt—backed by three T20I hundreds in the past year and consistent runs for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. While he will be primarily viewed as a backup opener to Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, Samson’s versatility allows him to slot seamlessly into the middle order if needed. His blend of experience, keeper backup and clean hitting makes him an invaluable, if tricky-to-place, option.
Jitesh Sharma: India’s new finisher
Jitesh Sharma, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his finishing exploits in IPL 2025, where he struck at over 175 while delivering impactful cameos. Backed strongly by skipper Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Jitesh is seen as the finisher India has long craved for T20 cricket. His role is clear-cut: provide firepower in the final overs. That clarity might give him the edge over Samson, unless the latter finds a top-order slot.
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The crowded middle-order of Team India
India’s middle-order pool for the Asia Cup is stacked: Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh and Samson. Few positions are guaranteed, and much depends on balance. Samson offers flexibility and wicketkeeping insurance, while Jitesh is a specialist closer. The real debate is whether India values adaptability and depth (Samson) or raw finishing firepower (Jitesh).
Agarkar and Suryakumar have openly endorsed Jitesh’s inclusion as a tactical masterstroke, but Samson’s century spree continues to pile pressure on the team management. Ex-cricketers remain divided—some argue Samson’s utility with both bat and gloves makes him indispensable, while others believe India finally has a true finisher in Jitesh.
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