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Dec 9, 2025
IND vs SA 1st T20I: Sanju Samson Or Jitesh Sharma, Who Will Play? Ravichandran Ashwin Gives His Take On Indias Wicket-Keeper Conundrum
IND vs SA 1st T20I: Sanju Samson Or Jitesh Sharma, Who Will Play? Ravichandran Ashwin Gives His Take On Indias Wicket-Keeper Conundrum
Zee News
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The much-anticipated 1st T20I between India and South Africa is set to be played on Tuesday, December 9 at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, marking the start of a five-match series as part of Team India's build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With Shubman Gill returning as opener alongside Abhishek Sharma, the middle order is locked in around captain Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
However, the wicketkeeper-batter spot remains a hotly contested one between Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma - both are in the 15-member squad, but only one can play. And, the debate is less about ability and more about team composition and the specific role required.
Samson, who enjoyed a stellar 2024 calendar year as an opener-keeper before Shubman Gill's return, has been shunted down the order. Jitesh Sharma, on the other hand, is increasingly seen as the team's designated death-overs finisher.
Former India all-rounder Ravi Ashwin has added his perspective to the intense selection debate, highlighting the need for "role clarity" as the team fine-tunes its squad ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given his perspective to the intense selection debate, highlighting the need for "role clarity" as the team fine-tunes its squad ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The 39-year-old said that he is keen to see whether Samson would receive game time at number three in the five-match T20I series against South Africa.
"I want to see if India will give Samson a chance at three, or will they go with Suryakumar and Tilak at three and four. They tried to use Sanju here in Australia. The template had to be changed for Gill came in. Sanju was opening and giving that keeping optio
