The speculation has further gained ground in the order in which chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, read out the names of the selected players. Agarkar named Gill and wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma first while listing out Samson and Rinku Singh at the end
Sanju Samson. Pic/AFP
The appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE has once again cast a shadow of uncertainty over Sanju Samson’s place in India’s T20 setup.
Although Samson, the long-serving Rajasthan Royals skipper in the IPL, has been named in the 15-member squad, Gill’s inclusion has sparked speculation that the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter could miss out on a place in the playing XI.
Fuel was added to the fire by the sequence in which chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the squad. Notably, he mentioned Gill and Jitesh Sharma first, while Samson and Rinku Singh were listed towards the end. This has led many to believe that Gill is being groomed to open alongside Abhishek Sharma in India’s tournament opener against Oman.
With a likely middle order comprising Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, there appears to be little room for Samson at the top. This could explain why Jitesh Sharma, renowned for his explosive finishing ability, may be preferred over both Samson and Rinku as the designated wicketkeeper and lower-order hitter. While Samson has performed admirably as an opener in recent months, the team management might lean toward a more flexible finisher like Jitesh.
Interestingly, Ajit Agarkar avoided direct comment on this debate, deferring the decision to the team management. "The captain-coach will take the call on the best balance for the team. Once we get to Dubai, we will have a bit more clarity. With more options available now, Shubman has been in great form for the last few months. So has Sanju, so two good options, along with Abhishek," said Agarkar.
Meanwhile, captain Suryakumar Yadav may have hinted at the team’s thinking when he backed Jitesh Sharma, stating the RCB batter has truly earned his place. "Post the last T20WC, we spoke a lot on how to go about it. We spoke about let's not think of milestones ahead, follow your journey. Been a completely different cricketer post that. The way he performed in the IPL and domestic tournaments he played, he's done really well, has earned his spot again," he said.
Jitesh, who is already training in Dubai, has impressed the coaching staff with his fearless and aggressive batting during practice sessions.
Suryakumar also stood by the selection of Harshit Rana, praising the young pacer’s IPL performances. Rana was recently part of the India A squad in England, where he remained on standby as an injury cover but didn’t get a chance to play. Still, the skipper believes his consistent domestic form justifies his selection.
"(He) has played really well in the IPL. Concussion replacement game in Pune, was MoM in the last game he played for India. Back his skills, we know he can deliver," said Suryakumar.
With the skipper and chief selector giving different indications, Samson is likely to face some anxious time before the Asia Cup, wondering what else he would have to do.
(With agency inputs)
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