With the Asia Cup 2025 fast approaching, the Indian cricket team’s preparations in Dubai have taken an exciting turn, especially around wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson. The fervor of fans caught everyone’s attention recently when they erupted in cheers for Samson outside the ICC Academy, prompting captain Suryakumar Yadav to quip ‘local boy,’ delighting spectators and teammates alike. This moment highlights the growing buzz about Samson’s role in the squad amid uncertain playing combinations.
Fans Frenzy Over Sanju Samson in Dubai
During the team’s training session ahead of the Asia Cup, a large group of enthusiastic fans gathered outside the ICC Academy. Their loud chants of “Samson, Samson” echoed through the venue as the players exited after practice. Samson, known for his charismatic presence and explosive batting, graciously engaged with the supporters by signing autographs and posing for photographs.
The scene illustrated Samson’s rising popularity and strong fan base, especially among the Indian diaspora in the UAE. Suryakumar Yadav’s friendly remark—“local boy!” referring to Samson’s Kerala roots—added a lighthearted touch to the moment, earning smiles and applause.
Sanju Samson’s Asia Cup Role Under Spotlight
Although Samson impressed as an opener in recent T20 internationals with an average of 32.63 and a strike rate of nearly 179, his place in the Asia Cup playing XI is not guaranteed. Rising stars Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma are favored to open the innings, pushing Samson into a wait-and-see position.
On the wicketkeeping front, the competition has intensified. Jitesh Sharma, who had a stellar IPL 2025 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, is included in the squad and may vie for playing time alongside Samson.
Experts and former players have weighed in on Samson’s status. Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar emphasized that if Samson is part of the squad, leaving him in the reserves would be a missed opportunity, given his versatility in batting positions and finishing capabilities. This scenario creates an interesting dilemma for selectors focusing on team balance.
Training And Tournament Readiness
The Indian squad’s training in Dubai is strategic, allowing players to acclimatize to the desert climate and pitch conditions before their campaign begins. The Asia Cup opener pits India against tournament hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium, followed by high-stakes matches against Pakistan and Oman.
The team’s preparation focuses not only on refining skills but also on maintaining team chemistry and building momentum. The camaraderie seen between players like Yadav and Samson during practice adds an encouraging vibe as India looks to defend the Asia Cup title won at home in 2023.
Key Highlights
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Fans in Dubai showed immense enthusiasm for Sanju Samson during Asia Cup 2025 training sessions, chanting his name and posing for photos.
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Captain Suryakumar Yadav humorously referred to Samson as “local boy,” highlighting his popularity and Kerala origins.
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Samson averages 32.63 with a strike rate of 178.77 as an opener in T20Is but faces stiff competition from Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma.
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Wicketkeeper slot sees rivalry between Samson and Jitesh Sharma, both bringing strong domestic and IPL form.
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Former greats like Sunil Gavaskar advocate for Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI to leverage his versatility.
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India’s Asia Cup campaign starts with the UAE clash on September 10 in Dubai, followed by matches against Pakistan and Oman.
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Training sessions at the ICC Academy focus on acclimatization, skill tuning, and team bonding ahead of the tournament.
Looking Ahead
As the Asia Cup 2025 unfolds, Sanju Samson’s role will remain a topic of intense discussion among cricket fans, analysts, and selectors. His ability to adapt and deliver under pressure could make him a pivotal player, whether opening or providing stability in the middle order.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy and leadership will be key to India’s quest for back-to-back Asia Cup triumphs. The blend of experience and youth in the squad positions Team India as a formidable contender on familiar UAE pitches.
The unfolding narrative of Samson’s local hero status in Dubai adds a colorful backdrop to a high-profile tournament promising thrilling cricket action.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Sportskeeda, Times of India, CricketMood, Cricket Tracker
