Asia Cup in UAE: Samson's place is in bit of danger, says Ashwin

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Sanju Samson's chances in the playing XI are in "a bit of danger" after the inclusion of Shubman Gill in the team for the upcoming Asia Cup (September 9-28) in the UAE.

The Indian team for the Asia Cup was announced on Tuesday, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the squad and Gill as his deputy.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin said: "What will make me even more sad is that there are high chances that you have announced him as the vice-captain, so Sanju Samson's place is in a bit of danger. The matter is sealed. Sanju is not going to play because Shubman Gill will play. If you want to play Gill, you have to play him at three, and Sanju will open the batting, but that too is not going to happen."

Samson has performed brilliantly as an opener for India alongside Abhishek Sharma. Since the last T20 World Cup, he has scored 487 runs in 17 T20Is with three hundreds (average of 34.78).

Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma has been picked as a backup wicketkeeper-batter for Samson.

Earlier this year, Sharma hit a blistering 85 not out off just 33 deliveries (8 fours, 6 sixes) to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru pull off the third-highest successful run chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history as the RCB chased down 228 against Lucknow Super Giants with eight balls to spare.

Praising the wicketkeeper-batter, Ashwin said, "I am very happy for Jitesh Sharma, a well-earned position for him. He played a great knock for RCB against LSG."

India will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

After the group stage, the tournament will proceed to the Super 4, where the top two teams from each group will qualify.

If India finish at the top of Group A, then all of their Super 4 matches will be held in Dubai.

But if India finish second, then one of their Super 4 clashes will be held in Abu Dhabi and the remaining two in Dubai.

The Super 4 stage will run from September 20 to 26. Dubai will host the final, which is scheduled for September 28.