By Moneycontrol Sports Desk | August 21, 2025
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India’s defense of the T20 World Cup may be a year away, but the preparations are already underway with the upcoming Asia Cup. The squad chosen by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee appears well-balanced, yet it sparks a few intriguing debates.
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A key point of discussion is the contrasting roles of Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma. While Samson thrives in the top order with his ability to anchor an innings, Jitesh has built a reputation as a destructive finisher in the lower-middle order.
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Samson’s IPL 2025 campaign was disrupted by injury, causing him to miss several games for Rajasthan Royals. However, whenever he did feature, he made valuable contributions with the bat. Scoring 285 runs in nine outings at a strike rate of 140.69, he finished just 24 runs ahead of Jitesh Sharma.
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On the other hand, Jitesh lit up the season for Royal Challengers Bangalore with his explosive batting in the death overs. His most memorable knock came in a record chase of 228, where he hammered an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls. Over the season, he accumulated 261 runs in 11 innings at a blistering strike rate of 176.35.
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Behind the stumps, Jitesh was exceptional, leading the charts with 20 dismissals (19 catches and one stumping) in 15 matches — the highest among all wicketkeepers in IPL 2025.
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Samson, who kept wickets in only six games, recorded five dismissals, a lower figure largely because he wasn’t the designated keeper in every outing.
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Samson’s value lies in his consistency at the top of the order, where he can provide stability, build partnerships, and play long innings. His leadership experience further strengthens his case as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper.
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Conversely, Jitesh brings raw power and a fearless approach, making him an ideal candidate for the lower-middle order where quick acceleration is vital.
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Over the years, Samson has established himself as one of the IPL’s most dependable batters, scoring close to 5,000 runs across 177 matches. Jitesh, meanwhile, has gained recognition for his strike rate and finishing skills, though inconsistency has occasionally hampered his overall impact in his four seasons.