Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has backed Sanju Samson to be part of India’s final XI in the Asia Cup. Samson could only manage 51 runs in five matches against England as he was troubled by short-pitch stuff. However, Samson was in fine form in the Kerala Cricket League as he has scored 368 runs in five innings at an average of 73.60 and a strike rate of 186.80 while leading Kochi Blue Tigers.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been named as India’s vice-captain for continental tournament and thus he could be backed ahead of Samson as an opener but Shastri said it won’t be that easy. As a finisher, Jitesh Sharma has better numbers and he could be India’s first-choice wicket-keeper. However, Shastri wants India to stick with Samson as he has delivered consistently in the top order. 

Ravi Shastri said on Sony Sports Network, “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.

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

The former Indian all-rounder said the UAE conditions will favor the spinners.

“Given the conditions in Dubai and the heat, spin will definitely be the flavour of the month. Teams like Afghanistan might even play four spinners. Whether it’s two or three, it depends on balance, but spinners will certainly be in big demand in Dubai. You need both finger spin and wrist spin. India has that luxury, and they’ll all come into play depending on conditions,” said Shastri (via the aforementioned source).

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai.