Krishnamachari Srikkanth backs 3 IPL stars as India’s Asia Cup openers, snubs Sanju Samson

Former India opener and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth has shared his opinion on India’s opening lineup for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE September 9–28. Srikkanth suggested that Sanju Samson should not open the innings. Instead, he recommended that one of Sai Sudharsan, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, or Yashasvi Jaiswal team up with Abhishek Sharma at the top. For the wicketkeeper position, Srikkanth said the selectors should consider either Samson or Jitesh Sharma.

“Sanju Samson was found wanting against the short ball against England. According to me, it’s doubtful that he will open. If I was a selector, Abhishek Sharma would be my No. 1 choice. No. 2, I would go for either Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Sai Sudharsan,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’ as quoted by Sportskeeda.

“I would have Vaibhav Suryavanshi in my 15-member T20 World Cup squad as well. He is playing brilliantly. Sai Sudharsan is the Orange Cap holder. He has been doing very well and Yashasvi Jaiswal as well. So, one of Sudharsan, Suryavanshi or Jaiswal should open with Abhishek. That would be my choice. This is a very competitive world. The choice can be between Samson and Jitesh Sharma as the keeper-batter,” he added.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

Sanju Samson has been in excellent form as an opener for India alongside Abhishek Sharma. Since the last T20 World Cup, he has played 31 T20Is across 30 innings, scoring 908 runs at an average of 33.62 with a strike rate of 157.09, including three centuries and three fifties.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was India’s backup opener behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the last T20 World Cup, has also made a strong case for himself. In 23 T20Is, he has scored 723 runs, including a century and five fifties, at a strike rate of over 164. His IPL 2025 season was equally impressive, amassing 559 runs in 14 matches with six fifties and a strike rate of nearly 160, bringing him back into T20I conversations.

Sai Sudharsan has emerged as one of the most consistent performers, winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 with 759 runs in 15 matches. His stylish stroke play and consistency have impressed fans and experts alike.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has also been a rising star. Known for his big-hitting ability, he recorded the fastest century by an Indian batter in IPL 2025, reaching the milestone in just 35 balls, showcasing his explosive potential.