Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has picked his favorite India playing XI for the Asia Cup 2025. While speaking to Sports Today, Gavaskar chose Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers. The big surprise was that he did not pick Sanju Samson to open. Gavaskar selected Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma as the opening pair in his XI for the Asia Cup 2025. This left-right combination can be a big challenge for the opposing teams.
Gavaskar’s Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025
Gavaskar has given Sanju Samson a place in the middle order. The Little Master told Sports Tak that Sanju’s batting order can change depending on the match situation, which will help the team.
Tilak Verma is at number 3 and captain Suryakumar Yadav at number 4. After them, all-rounder Hardik Pandya comes in. Gavaskar said that Samson is very important for the team. He added, “Sanju cannot be dropped. He also gives the option of wicketkeeping and can bat at number 5 or 6 depending on the situation.”
Axar Patel has been picked as the spin all-rounder. In bowling, Gavaskar has shown trust in Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakraborty. 4 players are not part of Gavaskar’s XI — Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dubey, and Harshit Rana. The Asia Cup 2025 will start on 9 September in UAE and the final will be played on 28 September.
India’s XI chosen by Sunil Gavaskar:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakraborty.