Asia Cup 2025: Ajinkya Rahane predicts India's playing XI, leaves out an experienced IPL captain
"Shubman he's back in the team, I'm sure he is most likely to open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has done really well," Ajinkya Rahane said.
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India announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup on Tuesday, August 19. Suryakumar Yadav will continue as the skipper of the side, with Shubman Gill replacing Axar Patel as his deputy. The Punjab batter returned to the T20 side for the first time since July 2024.
Ajinkya Rahane said that he would like to see Sanju Samson at the top of the order. However, he feels that Shubman's return might keep the Kerala cricketer out of the side. According to Rahane, Jitesh Sharma could make it to the playing XI as the wicketkeeper-batter ahead of Samson.
“Shubman he's back in the team, I'm sure he is most likely to open with Abhishek Sharma. Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson in the team because he has done really well. Very confident guy, very good team man. I feel that is a very important thing," Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“Sanju is a great team man, but that's a very good problem to have for the team management. In my opinion, probably Sanju Samson will sit out, though as I said, I would like him to play and be in the playing XI. But Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings for the team,” he added.
Really excited to see Bumrah, Arshdeep bowling together: Rahane
Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are set to reunite once again as India's new-ball bowlers in the shortest format. They played a key role in helping India win the T20 World Cup last year. Rahane explained how the duo could bring India success during the Asia Cup, which will be played in the UAE.
“I'm really excited to see Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh bowling together in this Asia Cup. We don't want to talk too much about Jasprit Bumrah. We all know how dangerous he is. Arshdeep Singh, very confident guy, swings the ball both ways. He can bowl straight and wide yorkers as well," Rahane said.
Former Pakistan batter empathises with India discards
The Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper said that only one from Varun Chakaravarthy or Harshit Rana should play according to the conditions.
“The 11th player will be depending on the wicket because we are playing in Dubai. Depending on the wicket and conditions either Varun Chakaravarthy or Harshit Rana," he added.
Ajinkya Rahane's playing XI for 2025 Asia Cup: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy/Harshit Rana.
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