“RCB star key to Gill preferred over Samson as opener: Irfan Pathan [Exclusive]”

Irfan Pathan, a former cricket player for India, believes that Jitesh Sharma of RCB, who had a standout season as the wicketkeeper-batter in India’s middle-order during their championship campaign, will push Shubman Gill‘s case against Sanju Samson to begin with Abhishek Sharma in the forthcoming Asia Cup. Who would be Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner in the continental event has been the subject of various rumors.

Given Samson’s performance in the current Kerala Cricket League 2025 season, the former all-rounder was asked if he should be investigated. Despite his KCL appearances, Samson’s erratic batting style was clarified by Irfan. He believed that Gill was ahead of Samson in the standings because of Abhishek’s bowling prowess and Jitesh’s position on the team.

It’s a difficult one. Isn’t it? When you look at it, Sanju has performed admirably. It goes without saying that there is one doubt about his constancy. He has performed well, but there was a pattern as well—he was scoring hundreds and then getting out cheaply. In contrast, Abhishek Sharma has an exceptional strike rate and is a bowler as well.

Abhishek Sharma will therefore undoubtedly be present. In an interview set up by Sony Sports Network, Irfan told CricTracker, “I believe they now have the option to have Shubman Gill and keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma in the playing XI because Jitesh Sharma has joined the team.”

The Baroda native believed that the only way Samson would be able to make the starting lineup would be if the management chose him to play in the middle order rather than Jitesh. The former cricket player who is now a broadcaster further emphasized that Gill shouldn’t move Tilak Varma to the top spot in order to make room for Sanju.

“This is where Indian cricket is right now in order to make room for Shubman Gill. Sanju Samson might not get a shot in the starting lineup, in my opinion. It will be challenging. Sanju has been attempting to downplay the order, as far as I can tell. We can start Samson at number five if he can accomplish it. Jitesh Sharma won’t be in the starting lineup if that occurs. Samson can then bat in the middle of the order. Tilak Varma has also performed well at No. 3, thus Shubman Gill ought to bat higher,” Irfan continued.

India, Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are all in Group A. The last time the Men in Blue, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, used the 20-over format was in the white-ball series against England, which they won handily in five matches.