Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh dropped!! Massive Updates surface from India's Asia Cup 2025 plans

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has named his Indian XI for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. What caught the attention of many was that he dropped Sanju Samson, who has been doing the bulk of the scoring for the team in the shortest format of the game.

After the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Sanju Samson was given the role of an opener. The keeper-batter aced that challenge and scored truckloads of runs. He slammed centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa and was amongst the top run-getters for the team last year. 

However, with Shubman Gill in the team, Ajinkya Rahane feels that Samson won't be there. The vice-captain will be opening the innings along with Abhishek Sharma, who is the No. 1-ranked batter in the format. 

Tilak Varma will be at three as per Ajinkya Rahane. The left-hander has been one of the best batters in the T20Is and has scored truckloads of runs. As per Rahane, he will be followed by Suryakumar Yadav, who will be leading the team in the Asia Cup 2025. 

Rahane didn't pick Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, and it also came as a surprise. The duo are touted amongst the best finishers in the T20Is. Dube helped India win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, while Rinku recently slammed a ton in the UP T20 League. 

Jitesh Sharma, who was selected in the team based on his performance in the IPL 2025. The keeper-batter played a massive role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while batting in the lower order. 

Axar Patel, who will play a key role with the bat and ball, will be holding the spin-bowling department.   The fast bowlers include Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. 

Ajinkya Rahane's Indian playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 

Here's Ajinkya Rahane's Indian playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025 

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy/Harshit Rana

Also Read: India's Probable Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025 Announced by Experts