Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, Team India’s senior batter Ajinkya Rahane revealed his preferred playing XI on a YouTube video. His selection has surprised fans as he left out wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and hinted that spinner Varun Chakraborty may also miss out.

Rahane explained that with Shubman Gill back in the squad, Samson’s place becomes uncertain, while in bowling only one between Chakraborty and Harshit Rana will find a spot.

Rahane’s Playing XI for Asia Cup 2025

• Openers: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma

• No. 3: Tilak Verma (currently world’s No. 2 T20 batter)

• No. 4: Suryakumar Yadav (captain)

• No. 5: Hardik Pandya

• No. 6: Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper-finisher)

• No. 7: Axar Patel (all-rounder)

• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakraborty/Harshit Rana

Rahane said he would “love to see Bumrah and Arshdeep bowl together” in the Asia Cup.

Why Jitesh Sharma Over Sanju Samson?

Rahane preferred Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper option, citing his strong finishing ability in IPL 2025. He praised Samson but admitted Gill’s return leaves no room at the top order:

“With Shubman back, I think he will open with Abhishek. Personally, I’d like to see Sanju in the XI because he’s a great team man and has performed well. But in my opinion, he may have to sit out.”

Varun Chakraborty vs Harshit Rana

In bowling, Rahane chose Kuldeep Yadav as the main spinner and said the team management may opt for either Varun Chakraborty’s mystery spin or Harshit Rana’s pace option, but not both.