India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a match against hosts United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Visiting captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl in the Group A match. The game marks the return of Shubman Gill to T20Is, and he will open alongside his Punjab teammate, Abhishek Sharma. Interestingly, Sanju Samson, who was expected to be dropped to make way for Gill, has also been included in the playing XI. According to the team sheet, captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to come in at number 3, ahead of Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, who are slated to bat at numbers 4 and 5, respectively.
Fans on social media heaped praise on head coach Gautam Gambhir for showing trust in Samson.
“We love you Gautam Gambhir. Thanks for always backing Sanju Samson, you will always have our support,” wrote a fan. “Gautam Gambhir is here to back Sanju,” wrote another fan.