Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his surprise and delight after Sanju Samson was included in India’s playing XI for the Asia Cup clash against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.

After Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s vice-captain, there were doubts on Samson’s place in the playing XI. Jitesh Sharma was expected to be India’s first choice wicket-keeper but the team management backed Samson in the opening game.

Meanwhile, Gill opened the innings with Abhishek Sharma and Samson is expected to bat in the middle order.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “I am surprised, but happy and pleasantly surprised with the backing that Sanju is getting. The kind of care the coach and captain are taking of him, it’s amazing. Suryakumar said at the press conference that ‘we are looking after him’ and that is visible. If Sanju has to play, he has to be a powerplay enforcer. If a wicket falls in the powerplay, then Sanju goes in.”

“This is project Sanju Samson. When I interviewed him, he revealed that Gautam Gambhir told him that even if he makes 21 ducks, he will be picked for the 22nd game. That is the confidence that the coach and Suryakumar have given him. It is clear that the team management believes in what Sanju Samson brings to the table. They are willing to do this sort of a thing to make a place for him. Amazing.”

Meanwhile, Samson has scored three T20I centuries in the last 12 matches but he could only manage 51 runs in five games against England in 2025 as he was troubled by short-pitched deliveries. 

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.

India will next take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on Sunday.