"NO Sanju Samson!" - Deep Dasgupta Reveals His India National Cricket Team XI for Asia Cup 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 has started, Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by a massive 94 runs in the first game of the tournament at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Second game will be played between the Indian National Cricket Team and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

As the match between the Indian National Cricket Team and the UAE approaches, the combinations are a hot topic among the experts and fans. The former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Deep Dasgupta revealed his Playing XI for the Indian team in this tournament.

Deep Dasgupta did not include Sanju Samson in his Playing XI, which is a controversial but strategic choice. Jasprit Bumrah to lead the Indian bowling lineup along with Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana, it's a flexible choice, anyone can be good with bumrah in the powerplay.

Why No Sanju Samson in Deep Dasgupta's XI?

Deep Dasgupta's selection is all about team balance and player roles. However, Sanju Samson has performed exceptionally as a top-order batter in recent times, but Deep believes that the Indian team needs a specific type of anchor and finisher in the lineup.

He explained that it is not about Sanju Samson's form but about the combination for this tournament. Cricket fans feel disappointed about this strategic move, but the team's balance is also something you keep in mind.

Deep Dasgupta said on his youtube channel, "Sanju Samson has done nothing wrong. It is more about the combination. Jitesh Sharma fits the finisher role well, and Shubman Gill, as the vice-captain, deserves the opening spot."

Deep Dasgupta's Predicted Indian National Cricket Team Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025:

1. Abhishek Sharma

2. Shubman Gill

3. Tilak Verma

4. Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)

5. Jitesh Sharma

6. Hardik Pandya

7. Axar Patel

8. Kuldeep Yadav

9. Varun Chakravarthy

10. Jasprit Bumrah

11. Arshdeep Singh/Harshit Rana

Deep Dasgupta wants that left-right combination at the top, which Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma provide. He added young talents and experience in the middle order - Tilak Verma, Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and Jitesh Sharma will be taking charge of India's middle order.

Both the All-rounders are attacking and are capable of both batting and bowling. Hardik's support as a third pacer and Axar's support as a third spinner will give India's bowling department more depth and reliability.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav speaks on Sanju Samson in Captain's Photoshoot:

A journalist asked Indian team skipper Suryakumar Yadav about Sanju Samson's presence in the playing XI. He replied, "Don't worry, we will take care of that."

This clearly shows the clarification of the Indian Management on the players roles for the Asia Cup 2025.

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