'Gill will find it tough to displace Samson': Ravi Shastri's big 'he should be left alone' message to Team India

Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)

The spectacular T20I comeback of Shubman Gill as vice-captain after a year has been the most talked-about item in the two weeks before India's Asia Cup 2025 campaign opener in Dubai. Gill is vying for the one position held by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

Samson had been opening in India’s recent T20I series against England, South Africa and Bangladesh, while Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal were tied up with Test duties. This has now left doubts on Samson being an absolute starter even after scoring three centuries in these T20Is.

Amidst the rising chatter, former head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind the Kerala batter, backing him to continue opening alongside left-hander Abhishek Sharma and suggesting that Gill be slotted elsewhere in the top order.

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“He [Samson] is most dangerous in the top three. That’s where he wins you matches. He should be left there. It [replacing Samson for Gill] won’t be that easy. Samson has a strong record for India at the top in T20s. Even Gill will find it tough to displace him. Gill may come in for someone else, but Samson should be left alone as opener,” Shastri said during a media interaction on Sunday.

Samson had previously played as an opener, but wasn't supported for a prolonged stint in that role until the Bangladesh series at home last year.

Samson became the first player to score three T20I tons in a single year in 2024. He amassed 522 runs in 17 innings as an opener, which came at a strike-rate of 178.76 — the second-best among Indian openers, behind only Abhishek Sharma.

In comparison, Gill has managed 578 runs from 21 T20I innings at an average of 30.42 and a strike-rate below 140.

“Samson should continue playing the way he has for India in T20s. He has been consistent at the top with big runs and hundreds,” Shastri added.