India, Sept. 6 -- As India gear up for the Asia Cup 2025, the spotlight is firmly on Sanju Samson - not for his flair or flamboyance this time, but for the pressing question of whether he will finally get a consistent run in the playing XI. Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the answer should be a resounding yes.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, which begins September 9 in the UAE, Gavaskar made a strong case for Samson's inclusion. His logic was clear: if a player of Samson's calibre has been picked in the 15-man squad, he must feature in the XI.

"You don't take someone like Sanju Samson as a reserve," Gavaskar told a group of journalists. "If he's part of your core team, he should be playing. He can slot in at No.3, or...