As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE on September 10, debate rages over who should take the gloves—Sanju Samson, the explosive top-order talent, or Jitesh Sharma, the IPL-fueled finisher. With head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav overseeing preparations, the decision will shape India’s batting dynamics.
Players Performance Overview
| Metric | Sanju Samson | Jitesh Sharma |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 42 | 9 |
| T20I Runs | 861 | 100 |
| T20I Strike Rate | 152.38 | 147.05 |
| IPL Runs | 4,704 | 991 |
| IPL Strike Rate | 139.04 | 157.05 |
| Best Recent Season | Multiple centuries in T20Is | Crucial finishing knocks, IPL 2025 |
| Role in Team | Top-order aggressor, flexible | Wicketkeeper-finisher |
Sanju Samson vs Jitesh Sharma – Career Stats Detail Comparison (T20I, ODI, and IPL)
| Format | Stat | Sanju Samson | Jitesh Sharma |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | Matches | 42 | 9 |
| Innings | 38 | 7 | |
| Runs | 861 | 100 | |
| Highest Score | 111 | 35 | |
| Average | 25.32 | 14.28 | |
| Strike Rate | 152.38 | 147.05 | |
| 100s / 50s | 3 / 2 | 0 / 0 | |
| Fours / Sixes | 71 / 49 | 11 / 4 | |
| Catches / Stumpings | 27 / 6 | 3 / 1 | |
| ODI | Matches | 16 | – |
| Runs | 510 | – | |
| Highest Score | 108 | – | |
| Average | 56.66 | – | |
| Strike Rate | 99.60 | – | |
| 100s / 50s | 1 / 3 | – | |
| Fours / Sixes | 34 / 22 | – | |
| IPL | Matches | 177 | 55 |
| Innings | 172 | 47 | |
| Runs | 4,704 | 991 | |
| Highest Score | 119 | 85* | |
| Average | 30.94 | 25.41 | |
| Strike Rate | 139.04 | 157.05 | |
| 100s / 50s | 3 / 26 | 0 / 1 | |
| Fours / Sixes | 379 / 219 | 77 / 62 |
Insights from the Comparison
- Sanju Samson dominates in overall numbers – more runs, centuries, and higher averages in both T20Is and IPL.
- Jitesh Sharma outshines in IPL strike rate (157.05), showing his ability as a dangerous finisher in the last overs.
- Sanju’s ODI record is outstanding (Average 56.66), proving his consistency across formats, which Jitesh lacks due to no ODI appearances.
- As a wicketkeeper-batter, both are capable, but Samson offers greater experience and top-order batting depth, while Jitesh provides lower-order hitting firepower.
Like to know? Most Runs in Asia Cup History
Asia Cup 2025: Who Fits Best in the Playing XI?
Sanju Samson – The Opening Powerhouse
- Strong top-order presence with three recent T20I centuries.
- Excellent ODI credentials and overall international exposure.
- Offers the option to bat at No. 3 or as a finisher if needed.
- Aakash Chopra has emphasised his consistency and explosive ability early in the innings as vital assets.
Jitesh Sharma – The Finisher Specialist
- IPL 2025 saw him flourish as a dependable lower-order hitter.
- Strong keeping performance in practice sessions hints at team management trust.
- Tactically suited if team needs a knockout batter who excels in death overs.
Expert and Practice Room Insights
- In training sessions in Dubai, Jitesh was seen taking extended wicketkeeping drills under Gambhir’s supervision, while Samson’s time behind the stumps was limited. This suggests a strong tilt toward Jitesh for the opener.
- Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar called Samson “undroppable” in the short-term, praising his versatility and experience.
- Aakash Chopra also backed Samson as a “first guy to talk about” given his recent performances and ability to bat at the top order consistently.
Read more: India Cricket Schedule
Final Take: Who Should Keep for India Against UAE?
Ideal Scenario for Asia Cup Opener:
- If India prioritizes quick starts and aggressive batting up top, Sanju Samson offers more upside. His ODI success and T20I centuries reflect reliability and power.
- However, given team needs for middle/lower-order stability and Indian conditions in the UAE, Jitesh Sharma brings finishing skills and dual role potency (keeper-batter) in limited-overs crunch scenarios.
Possible XI Strategy:
- Start with Sanju Samson as keeper-opener to dominate early.
- Rotate in Jitesh Sharma later in the tournament for reversal-friendly scenarios where a powerful finisher provides balance.
Read more: India Probable Playing 11 for Asia Cup 2025
Conclusion
Both Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma present compelling cases for keeping India’s wickets in Asia Cup 2025. Samson’s all-format experience and top-order firepower make him a natural front-runner, while Jitesh’s IPL finishing form and glovework in practice elevate him as a strategic wildcard. India might start with Samson, but having Sharma in reserve—or rotating roles mid-tournament—offers the perfect blend of flair, flexibility, and firepower.
