Who should open for India in the Asia Cup in September?

With the T20 Asia Cup around the corner, India’s got a big call to make on who will open the batting. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from T20Is and KL Rahul struggling for form, the focus shifts to the younger players. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma all had impressive seasons in IPL 2025. Jaiswal scored 559 runs, Gill got 650 and Sudharsan was the standout with 759 runs. Even KL Rahul, playing for Delhi Capitals contributed with 539 runs. While the BCCI is still figuring things out, many believe Gill, Jaiswal and Sudharsan could be the future stars not just for the Asia Cup but also for the T20 World Cup next year.

1. Abhishek Sharma & Sanju Samson

This is the incumbent T20 pair under coach Gambhir. Both are aggressive left-handers (Abhishek) and right-handers (Samson) who made a fiery statement in the last T20I series. Analysts point out “India have formed an explosive opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, capable of quick starts. However, their attacking styles can be a double-edged sword – points out they “don’t give that much assurance at the top order,” and India often misses an anchoring presence. Indeed, Samson’s form has been patchy; in 21 T20I innings over two years he has three tons but five ducks, and in the recent England series he managed only 51 runs in five innings. Still, Abhishek set the tone with a record 135 and 100* in the last two series, and both he and Samson have international experience. This pairing benefits from Samson’s extra security as wicketkeeper, but if one of them struggles, India would hope for more stability from the other.

2. Shubman Gill & Yashasvi Jaiswal

This all-lefty duo shone in the IPL and have a solid track record in big tournaments. Gill, India’s Test captain, hasn’t played T20Is since mid-2024, but he scored 650 runs in the IPL this year and brings a calm presence to the team. Gill “anchors the innings” and could step in if more attacking players struggle. Jaiswal, although missing the T20s this spring due to Tests, scored 559 IPL runs with an impressive strike rate of 160. Together, they offer great run-scoring and smart handling of spin on UAE pitches. Their only drawback is the lack of recent T20I experience as a pair, and having two left-handed batters might make the lineup more predictable for bowlers. However, with both in excellent form and a strong left-right batting order afterward (Samson or SKY at 3-4), the Gill/Jaiswal combination looks promising. Selectors seem to agree – multiple reports mention both players “in the mix for Asia Cup selection,” despite their break from T20Is.

3. Abhishek Sharma & Shubman Gill

This is probably the best mix of contrasting styles. Both Abhishek and Gill had successful IPL seasons and offer different strengths: Abhishek’s power hitting and left-handed angles, and Gill’s classical technique and ability to rotate the strike. Abhishek’s “explosive” style is well known, and Gill would provide the much-needed stability. Gill’s ability to anchor the innings makes him perfect to bat with more aggressive players. Early signs show this pair could thrive – in the February 2025 T20Is against England, Abhishek scored over 270 runs in 6 innings (including two centuries), while Gill kept the run-scoring going smoothly. Neither has kept wickets (Samson does), but that’s a small issue. Considering India’s need for a balance between aggression and caution on tricky UAE pitches, the Abhishek/Gill partnership is a solid choice.

Other combinations (Samson & Jaiswal, Abhishek & Sudharsan, etc.):

Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal have never opened together for India, but both were IPL stars (Samson 285 runs, Jaiswal 559). In theory two lefties could work if the plan is to tire bowlers, but India usually prefers a left-right mix. Pairings involving Sai Sudharsan are more speculative since he has only one T20I (no runs scored and debuted for India late last year. Sudharsan’s Orange Cap season shows he deserves a look, but it’s unclear who he’d partner. In sum, any combo with Sudharsan is a fourth option rather than front-running. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a capable backup opener, but he’s recovering from injury and has rarely opened in T20Is.

ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly Set to Enter Race for Cricket Association of Bengal Presidency