NEW DELHI: On Wednesday evening, current T20 World Cup champions India will open their campaign in the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup with a Group A fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
As the team gears up for its first T20I outing after nearly seven months, captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir still have a few key decisions to make, especially around the batting order and playing eleven’s balance.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, former India A and Gujarat batter Priyank Panchal spoke on several selection dilemmas the side is facing, including the Sanju Samson conundrum, where Shubman Gill fits in, and the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah. Excerpts: -
Q. How do you look at India’s chances of going all the way in this Asia Cup?
A. This Asia Cup is important for all the players. Obviously, we have a balanced side, both in the batting and bowling departments, and also in terms of all-rounders. We have a very experienced side as compared to other teams.
So, we have an edge over all the teams involved in this Asia Cup, and there are a few players I am so excited to see in this team. I am really looking forward to seeing them perform and winning this cup. So, I am definitely banking on India winning this cup.
Q. There has been a lot of chatter about Sanju Samson’s place in the playing eleven. How do you look at this conundrum?
A. I think it all depends upon the wicket and, obviously, the requirement of the support staff and coaches. At the same time, Jitesh Sharma is someone who can hit sixes at will. Obviously, Sanju can also play, but Sanju is someone who can hit it in the top order, and Jitesh Sharma can be very useful for the bottom 5-7.
So, I think I will leave this to the coaches and, obviously, the captain because they are the ones who will decide. It all depends upon the wicket because there can be a turning track, or it depends on the wicket’s nature.
But I would say that it is better to go with Sanju as far as the first few matches are concerned. You never know, but I would say that on a day when you are confused, just go with Sanju.
Q. In UAE conditions, how crucial do you think it’s going to be to maintain a left-right batting combination?