Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson picked a “perfect batter” by selecting qualities from his teammates during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Kerala-born cricketer named star bowler Jasprit Bumrah as the player with the best defence, which surprised fans.
Samson impressed as an opener in T20Is last year, scoring 487 runs in 17 matches at an average of 171.47, with three centuries and a fifty. He smashed three tons in just five innings against Bangladesh and South Africa. However, Samson managed only 51 runs in five innings during the T20I series in England.
Sanju Samson Picks All-Rounder Hardik Pandya for Swagger
In a video posted by the Sony Sports Network, the official broadcasters of the Asia Cup 2025, Sanju Samson shared his picks for a “perfect batter.” He chose all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his swagger. Hardik has the ability to hit big sixes and perform under pressure.
Samson picked opener Abhishek Sharma for the batting attribute “bat swing.” The Kerala-born cricketer expressed admiration for both teammates’ skills while explaining his choices.
“Has to be Hardik. I love how Abhishek is swinging it at the moment,” Samson said.
Sanju Samson Names Jasprit Bumrah for Best Defense
Sanju Samson picked himself for power-hitting and his ability to clear the boundaries. He chose vice-captain Shubman Gill for elegance, given his stylish stroke play. Samson also picked T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for his wide range of shots. Surya can play shots to all parts of the stadium.
“Power hitting has to be me. Let’s give it to Gill. Has to be Surya. The way he plays 360, I think it’s fair to give it to him,” Samson stated.
The batter picked Jasprit Bumrah for the best defense, adding that he doesn’t see anyone defending nowadays. Samson selected India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir as the “clutch performer.” Gautam played match-winning knocks in the finals of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
“I don’t see anyone defending nowadays. Maybe give it to a bowler, like Jasprit. Give it to Gautam bhai,” Samson opined.
Sanju Samson Yet to Bat in Both Asia Cup 2025 Games
Before the Asia Cup 2025, Sanju Samson had scored three centuries in his last 12 T20I innings while opening with Abhishek Sharma. However, with Shubman Gill returning for the tournament, Samson has been moved down to the middle order.
Samson has not had a chance to bat in India’s first two Asia Cup matches. India’s top four, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, easily chased down the targets against the UAE and Pakistan. The bowlers also played a key role in these dominant victories.
With two wins from as many matches, India have secured their place in the Super 4 stage. They will play their final group match against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday, September 19.